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 Major (Armor) Nathaniel Fred Colby, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam during the period 20 May 1968 through 21 May 1968. Major Colby distinguished himself while serving as Commanding Officer of the 2d Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division. Following the hard fought battle for Hue and the coastal lowlands after the North Vietnamese Army Tet Offensive, the 2d Squadron, 17th Cavalry, in conjunction with other United States and Vietnamese forces, continued the pursuit of one enemy regiment throughout the coastal plains east of Hue. On 20 May 1968, Major Colby was designated as Commander of Task Force Saber during the temporary absence of his Commanding Officer. The task force, based at Fire Base Forward, ten kilometers east of Hue, had been in heavy contact for several days. Despite the heavy contact, Major Colby immediately undertook to rally the forces at the fire base to reorganize their defenses and establish counter-mortar targets to prevent further friendly casualties. At 0345 hours on 21 May 1968, Fire Base Forward again came under attack and received numerous mortar rounds. Major Colby left the shelter of his fighting position to rally his men and direct the tank and one hundred six millimeter recoilless rifle fire against the enemy mortar positions. Throughout the battle, he moved from position to position to give encouragement to his men. Through his leadership and courage, his men were inspired to even greater efforts and the enemy attack was repulsed. Major Colby’s personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.