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 (Armor) William Mellard Connor, 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. First Lieutenant Connor distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as Platoon leader of an Armored Cavalry Platoon in Troop B, 3d Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on a company sized search and destroy operation in the infamous Liocara Rubber Plantation on 7 July 1966, near Cu Chi, Republic of Vietnam. Engaging the enemy with all available firepower, his platoon successfully killed two Viet Cong and probably killed five more. Moving across a series of marshy rice paddies with enemy snipers firing into his formation, he maneuvered his platoon through a trench network into dense jungle and linked up with elements of the infantry rifle company who were receiving intense machinegun, rifle, grenade, and mortar fire. Exposing himself to the heavy fire, he moved directly into the enemy position. Deploying his platoon, he directed them to join in the assault into an area that contained eight inter-connected reinforced log and concrete bunkers. As he passed through the area, his elements received unbelievably accurate fire. First Lieutenant Connor sustained multiple wounds during the attack, but he continued to influence the situation until he was rendered incapacitated due to loss of blood. First Lieutenant Connor’s conspicuous heroism and outstanding leadership during this action permitted the recovery of the wounded infantrymen from unprotected positions. His courage caused the enemy to shift their fire from the infantry onto the attacking cavalry platoon. In the face of seemingly overwhelming odds, his display of unimpeachable valor in close combat with a fortified enemy force is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 25th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.