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 Chief Warrant Officer Two (CW-2) Horace E. Combs, United States Army, for gallantry in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force. Chief Warrant Officer Combs distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as Pilot of a light observation helicopter of Troop B, 3d Armored Squadron, 17th Air Cavalry, in support of an advancing infantry unit near Duc Hoa. Observing six enemy soldiers, he immediately took them under fire, killing three on his first pass and the remainder on subsequent passes. Because the aircraft had received extensive damage from enemy fire, he left the area to obtain another and returned to find a heavily bunkered area in front of the advancing infantry. He stopped their advance and marked enemy positions for Cobra strikes. He engaged two enemy machine guns but his aircraft received numerous hits at point blank range and crashed, bursting into flames. Although wounded he freed himself from the wreckage and lifting the unconscious observer, shielded him with his own body while carrying him to safety before he, himself, collapsed from shock and loss of blood. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.