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) Lyle Eric Pirnie, United States Army, for gallantry in action against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. First Lieutenant Pirnie distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 2 September 1969 while serving as a Platoon Leader with Troop C, 1st Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 23d Infantry Division (Americal). On that date, Troop C and a sister element were conducting combat operations two miles southwest of Duc Pho when contact was made with an enemy force of undetermined size. While leading an assault against the first of the enemy emplacements, First Lieutenant Pirnie killed two North Vietnamese Army soldiers and dispersed their comrades with heavy automatic weapons fire. Continuing the sweep, he led his vehicles as far forward as the terrain would permit. Disregarding the danger involved, First Lieutenant Pirnie then dismounted and led his comrades on a sweep of several enemy trenches. At one point, he surprised an enemy soldier armed with a rocket propelled grenade launcher and killed the insurgent before he had a chance to fire the weapon. As the operation continued, First Lieutenant Pirnie killed two more North Vietnamese Army soldiers before darkness curtailed his aggressive advance and necessitated a withdrawal to a night defensive position. Through his timely and courageous actions, Lieutenant Pirnie was directly responsible for the success of the operation and enabled his comrades to kill 29 enemy soldiers in close combat. First Lieutenant Pirnie’s personal heroism, professional competence, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Americal Division, and the United States Army.