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 a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Herbert Joseph McChrystal, Jr. (ASN: 0-27327), United States Army, for gallantry in action against a hostile force, on 30 June 1966, while serving as Commanding Officer of the 2d Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division. On this date, a Viet Cong regiment attacked a troop of the 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, and Company C of Lieutenant Colonel McChrystal’s battalion as they were travelling in a convoy along Highway 13 between Hon Quan and Loc Ninh. Reacting rapidly, Lieutenant Colonel McChrystal immediately ordered Company B, 2d Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment to the assistance of the troops under attack. When it became apparent that the attacking force was numerically superior, Lieutenant Colonel McChrystal committed Company A. He quickly flew to the area of battle with the battalion command group, landing in a hostile landing zone. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Lieutenant Colonel McChrystal remained in the open exposing himself to the hostile fire in order to direct the deployment of his men on the landing zone. The command group moved down the highway and established a command post. Keeping cognizant of all developments via radio, Lieutenant Colonel McChrystal issued concise and accurate orders to his company commanders and flew over the troops in a helicopter, directing the maneuvers of the battalion. When the battle ended, Lieutenant Colonel McChrystal oversaw the policing of the battlefield. The actions of the battalion, always under his direct command, rendered the 273d Viet Cong Regiment’s combat capability ineffective. Lieutenant Colonel McChrystal’s unquestionable valor in close combat against superior hostile forces is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

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 a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Silver Star to Colonel (Infantry) Herbert Joseph McChrystal, Jr. (ASN: 0-27327), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Colonel McChrystal distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as Commanding Officer, 2d Brigade, 4th Infantry Division. On 25 August 1968, Colonel McChrystal organized and led an Infantry-Artillery Task Force to relieve the Duc Lap Special Forces Camp which was under fierce attack by a regimental-size enemy force. Continually exposing himself to intense enemy anti-aircraft fire as he directed his pilot to make low passes over the area, Colonel McChrystal directed air strikes against the enemy positions. Then personally leading the task force, he exposed himself to the enemy ground fire while insuring the firm emplacement of his task force. This part of the mission completed, Colonel McChrystal was returning to his command post when he directed his aircraft to move to the aid of a downed gunship. Landing, Colonel McChrystal manned a door gun and provided cover for the crew as they moved vital equipment to his helicopter. Then he directed the helicopter to hover over the downed aircraft until an extraction aircraft arrived. Colonel McChrystal’s courageous acts, outstanding leadership, and exemplary devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.