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 Specialist Fifth Class Willard J. Coleman (ASN: RA-12787423), United States Army, for gallantry in action against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Specialist Fifth Class Coleman distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 25 February 1969 while serving as a tank commander with Troop B, 1st Squadron, 1st Cavalry, Americal Division. On that date, Specialist Coleman was providing flank support for his platoon as it assaulted an enemy position near Phu Loc. While Specialist Coleman placed suppressive fire on the insurgents, his vehicle became the target of heavy automatic weapons and grenade fire from scattered spider holes. With complete disregard for his personal safety, he dismounted his vehicle and began searching out and engaging the enemy with hand grenades and rifle fire. A search of the area disclosed ten dead enemy soldiers and yielded numerous weapons. His gallant actions were instrumental in destroying the enemy force and saved the lives of many of his comrades. Specialist Coleman’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.