The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Armor) Claude A. Wharton, United States Army, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force in the Republic of Vietnam. First Lieutenant Wharton distinguished himself on 24 March 1971, while serving as a Platoon Leader with Troop A, 3d Squadron, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile), during combat operations in Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam. When an American element was ambushed and sustained several casualties, Lieutenant Wharton assessed the situation and reacted to help the encircled troops. He repeatedly led patrols against the enemy in an effort to rescue a wounded officer and to recover the bodies of his comrades. Repulsed twice by the enemy, Lieutenant Wharton expertly adjusted both artillery and air strikes as well as his own mortars and weapons on the enemy positions. Then organizing fresh troops and volunteers from his platoon, he maneuvered them through a barrage of enemy fire in fighting his way to the wounded officer. After supervising the medical evacuation, Lieutenant Wharton again led his battle-worn and wounded men back through the hostile areas to their vehicles. First Lieutenant Wharton’s gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Military Service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.