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 Captain (Infantry) Walter Evans Brinker, 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. Captain Brinker distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 16 October 1969, while serving as Commanding Officer of Company C, 2d Battalion (Airmobile), 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), during a reconnaissance mission in Tay Ninh Province, Republic of Vietnam. During the reconnaissance the lead element was fired upon by a large enemy force entrenched in well concealed bunkers. Captain Brinker immediately maneuvered a platoon to the aid of the lead element that was pinned down and had numerous casualties in need of immediate attention. Realizing that the exact enemy positions were not known, Captain Brinker led a squad as they crawled perilously close to the enemy positions and to a point where they could effectively engage the enemy with fragmentation grenades, silencing several automatic weapons. He then directed aerial rocket artillery on the enemy positions, destroying the enemy complex. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Brinker, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.