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 Lieutenant Colonel (Armor) John William Seigle, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Lieutenant Colonel Seigle distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving a Helicopter Pilot and as Commanding Officer of the 1s Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 15 July 1967. On that date, Lieutenant Colonel Seigle was directing a flight of helicopters when he heard on his radio a call for help from an Air Force jet pilot shot down in a jungle area. Lieutenant Colonel Seigle could see from the air that three enemy soldiers were pursuing the American pilot. He ordered his helicopter to land, despite heavy enemy fire and grabbed a rifle and ran through machine gun and rifle fire to the pilot. He then drove off the enemy forces long enough to get the pilot to the helicopter. After the two men reached the waiting helicopter, enemy troops again came forward, and Lieutenant Colonel Seigle stood in the helicopter door as the craft took off, and fired at the enemy troops. The helicopter was hit numerous times but managed to return to a base area. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Lieutenant Colonel Seigle, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.