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 (Infantry) Robert Antoine Hillyer, 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 Hillyer distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as Platoon Leader of the 3d Platoon, Company B, 2d Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, in action against the enemy during a search and destroy mission on the Soui Ca Run River, on 15 February 1966. On this date, the 2d and 3d platoons were to retrace their patrol routes from the previous day with 3d platoon leading and 1st platoon and Company Headquarters in reserve. There was some intelligence that a possible enemy battalion size unit was in the area. The Artillery Forward Observer was attached to 3d platoon and was directed to walk artillery ahead of their route. The 3d platoon would have marched into the North Vietnamese Army ambush kill zone had the 2d platoon leader not asked to pass ahead of the 3d platoon, which was moving slower in a skirmish line through the brush while the 2d Platoon was moving along the trail faster in what in a “Ranger File.” The NVA apparently did not know that two units were approaching and they probably expected the one they saw would continue into their kill zone. When 2d Platoon’s patrol route diverged from the path the NVA triggered their ambush and immediately killed two 2d platoon soldiers who were on point. The 2d platoon took cover and returned fire, and 3d platoon rushed forward and occupied a stream bed that was on the left flank of the NVA ambush position. and the Forward Observer began firing barrages of artillery into the NVA position followed by air strikes by Air Force A-1E bombers and armed Army helicopters. As the barrage was being lifted First Lieutenant Hillyer received an order to have his platoon fix bayonets and attack to their front, yelling as they charged across the small open field to their front. First Lieutenant Hillyer, his radio operator, the mortar platoon Forward Observer, and the medic made it into the tree line first. They saw one NVA soldier whom they engaged but did not hit, and he ran into the woods and disappeared. As they continued forward they could see tracers from helicopter door gunners plunging toward ground ahead and held up. With support from the artillery, armed helicopters, and Air Force bombers they achieved a small, but decisive and significant victory over an NVA battalion. The NVA lost 200 soldiers, 150 wounded and 50 killed. in this battle. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant Hillyer, 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.