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 (Field Artillery) William H. Anderson (ASN: 0-5328417), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with Company C, 227th Aviation Battalion (Assault Helicopter) in the Republic of Vietnam. First Lieutenant Anderson distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 31 January 1968, while serving as a pilot of a UH-1H helicopter during a medical evacuation mission in the city of Hue, Republic of Vietnam. Upon receiving a request for the medical evacuation of five seriously wounded soldiers from a besieged compound within the city of Hue, Lieutenant Anderson, disregarding his own safety, flew his aircraft through the intense hostile ground to evacuate the wounded men. Although his aircraft received numerous hits and was severely damaged, Lieutenant Anderson skillfully piloted the aircraft to safety. By his courageous action the lives of the injured soldiers were saved. Lieutenant Anderson’s gallant action is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.