The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Chief Boatswain’s Mate Howard William Bannister (NSN: 9298744), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in armed conflict against communist insurgent (Viet Cong) forces, in the Republic of Vietnam, from 11 to 13 July 1967, while serving with River Assault Squadron ELEVEN during Operation CORONADO (CONCORDIA V). Assigned as Boat Captain on Monitor 112-1, Chief Petty Officer Bannister was commanding his boat in direct and close support of elements of the 2d Brigade, 9th Infantry Division. Early on the morning of 11 July, lead elements of Company A, 4/47th Infantry Battalion were pinned down by heavy enemy automatic weapons, recoilless rifle and small arms fire coming from enemy positions in a fortified tree line. Responding immediately, Chief Petty Officer Bannister skillfully maneuvered his monitor, and despite intense enemy fire, silenced the enemy position and allowed the army elements to advance. By early afternoon, as a result of similar contacts, Monitor 112-1 had succeeded in destroying a total of three bunkers and six structures lining the canal. Later, when called upon to provide direct support to Company B, 4/47th Infantry Battalion, Chief Petty Officer Bannister maneuvered his monitor down a narrow canal and took position near the shoreline on the flank of the company. He and his crew silenced the enemy positions one by one with .50 caliber machine guns and 40 and 20-mm. cannon fire. Later, Chief Petty Officer Bannister lost his life and six of his crew members were wounded when the monitor suffered a direct hit from an enemy B-40 rocket. His outstanding professionalism, sense of responsibility and inspiring courage under fire were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.