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 Major (Infantry) Maury Spotswood Cralle, Jr., United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Major Cralle distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as S-3 (Operations Officer) of the 2d Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), in action against the enemy near Hue, South Vietnam, on 4 February 1968. Major Cralle directed boundary defenses under heavy attack and cooperated in devising a plan to remove the battalion from its own newly-encircled position. Under Major Cralle’s direction, the battalion moved for 11 hours during the night through the North Vietnamese positions. The battalion went undetected and eventually occupied and commanded an area deep inside the enemy territory, dividing the enemy in two. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Major Cralle, 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.