The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Radarman First Class Wilbur Lynn Cosson (NSN: 5207848), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action on 07 July 1967 while serving with River Section 533, Task Force 116 (TF-116) in the Republic of Vietnam. When elements of the Ninth Infantry Division, Army of the Republic of Vietnam, launched a search and destroy sweep of the My Long area aimed at driving two Vietcong companies toward the mouth of the Rach Khau Rau, Petty Officer Cosson, as patrol officer aboard River Patrol Boat 152, was assigned to a blocking station on the Co Chien River near the Rach Khau Rau. His mission was to prevent the enemy’s successful evasion into the heavy mangroves and bunker complex along the coastline. Drawing an intense barrage of enemy automatic weapons and recoilless rifle fire, and partially suppressing that fire, Petty Officer Cosson observed several of the fleeing enemy and quickly pointed them out to his gunners, ordering the gunners to open fire. Two Vietcong were killed. With his supply of ammunition nearly exhausted, Petty Officer Cosson requested that he be rearmed on station, rather than return to the Landing Ship Tank, knowing that leaving his critical station unguarded would give the Vietcong time to escape. While rearming, Petty Officer Cosson noticed four sampans moving near the canal at a range at which they could succeed in crossing into the bunker area. Because his cover boat, PBR 160, had not expended as much ammunition as PBR 152, he jumped aboard the cover boat and proceeded toward the beach. Petty Officer Cosson ordered his boat close to the mouth of the canal, and destroyed two of the sampans. Moving into position to destroy the other two, he was mortally wounded when the east bank erupted in heavy enemy fire. By his daring actions and inspiring leadership, Petty Officer Cosson upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.