The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Timothy G. Coles (ASN: 0-5336619), United States Army, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with Troop C, 3d Squadron, 17th Cavalry, 1st Aviation Brigade, in the Republic of Vietnam on 28 October 1968. First Lieutenant Coles distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as Aero Rifle Platoon Commander on a combat operation. His rifle platoon had been inserted about five miles northwest of Cu Chi, to recover the body of an American officer. In leading his platoon toward the are where the body was reported to be, they were suddenly pinned down by heavy automatic weapons fire from a nearby hut. First Lieutenant Coles ordered his first and third squads to flank the hut and his second squad to lay down a base of fire, while he, with dauntless courage and without thought for his own safety, attacked the fortification with grenades and his M-16 rifle. Two insurgents were killed and the weapons silenced. With the hut destroyed, all three squads were able to link up and complete their mission. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.