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 Sergeant George Red Elk, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 18 March 1969 while serving as a tank commander with Company D, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, Company D was conducting a sweep through the Michelin Rubber Plantation when fierce contact was made with an estimated battalion-size force of North Vietnamese Regulars in well-concealed, bunker fortifications. In the ensuing battle, Sergeant Red Elk’s tank began receiving rocket-propelled grenade fire from the left flank. Reacting instantly, Sergeant Red Elk aggressively maneuvered his vehicle toward the enemy position, engaging them with his main gun. His highly accurate fire completely routed the enemy force, killing two. As he moved back on line, an enemy rocket-propelled grenade round exploded overhead, severely wounding his right hand. Ignoring the pain, Sergeant Red Elk was successful in knocking out a second rocket-propelled grenade team. He courageously remained with his tank for 45 minutes after being wounded, until he passed out from the pain and loss of blood. His heroic example greatly inspired the entire unit to press on and completely overpower the hostile force. Sergeant Red Elk’s outstanding personal courage and unwavering 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.