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) Howard Clinton Kirk, III, 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 Kirk distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 18 May 1967 while serving as a Platoon Leader in Company E, 3d Battalion, 47th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, in the vicinity of the 2d Brigade Fire Support Base near Cai Be, Vietnam. Shortly after dark, First Lieutenant Kirk went four scouts forward to check a woodline and stream. Alertly observing their progress through a starlight scope, First Lieutenant Kirk saw armed Viet Cong far to the front. He quickly radioed to the scouts and then called in artillery fire with devastating accuracy. First Lieutenant Kirk then observed two large forces of insurgents on either side of the platoon. Bravely electing to make a stand, he directed withering M-79 grenade launchers, automatic weapons, and small arms fire into the unsuspecting enemy. Greatly outnumbered by the Viet Cong, First Lieutenant Kirk nevertheless exposed himself to heavy fire in order to call in artillery. A helicopter gunship arrived on station, lighted the area, and the guerillas withdrew into a treeline. First Lieutenant Kirk led his men to more advantageous positions and, an hour later, again observed a substantial Viet Cong force attacking the brigade command post. Reacting instantly, First Lieutenant Kirk again exposed himself to direct the fire of his men, call for gunships, and pinpoint artillery fire. His courageous efforts prevented the insurgents from completing their mission, that of overrunning the command post. First Lieutenant Kirk’s extraordinary heroism in close combat with a hostile force is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 9th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.