The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Boatswain’s Mate Second Class William Charles Lance, II, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with United States Forces engaged in riverine assault operations against Communist insurgent forces in South Vietnam. On 26 May 1968, Petty Officer Lance, Coxswain of ATC 111-10, was operating his boat in column formation with other units of River Assault Squadron ELEVEN along the Ong Huong Waterway in Kien Hoa Province. A large Viet Cong Force suddenly attacked the column with rocket, recoilless rifle, mortar, and automatic weapons fire from prepared positions in the dense foliage on both banks of the narrow stream. Petty Officer Lance remained calm throughout the attack, skillfully maneuvered his craft through the hail of fire, and provided a stable firing platform for the gunners of his boat. He expertly beached his boat at the landing zone and lowered the bow ramp to land the embarked troops. The Army elements had just begun their assault when the enemy opened up on the well deck of ATC 111-10 with a barrage of small arms and automatic weapons fire. Several troops were wounded and the remainder were pinned down on the beach unable to advance. When the order to back load the troops was passed, Petty Officer Lance with complete disregard for his personal safety dashed out on the bow ramp and exposed himself to the enemy fire to rig a block and tackle to raise the bow ramp manually. Petty Officer Lance’s fearless action in the face of heavy enemy fire prevented further casualties to the embarked troops and prevented any delay in the relocation of the troops which could have enabled the enemy to escape. His outstanding professionalism, sense of responsibility and courage under fire were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.