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 a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Joseph Finch Trimble, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company A, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 502d Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, in a action against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam in November 1966. First Lieutenant Trimble’s platoon was given the mission of establishing blocking positions on the flank of a reinforced North Vietnamese company which was engaged with elements of his battalion. When Lieutenant Trimble’s platoon made contact with enemy units her personally led the maneuvering elements against the enemy. On one occasion, he charged forward and personally destroyed an enemy position. Lieutenant Trimble, realizing that he was still approximately five hundred meters from his objective, continued to lead his platoon forward when they became engaged by an estimated squad-size element of North Vietnamese soldiers in fortified positions. Lieutenant Trimble, again with complete disregard for his own personal safety, moved forward under enemy fire and directed suppressive fire into the enemy positions until they had been neutralized. Upon reaching his objective, Lieutenant Trimble, without hesitation, made a reconnaissance and placed his squad into individual blocking positions. Lieutenant Trimble moved from squad to squad during the night, wherever contact was made, and directed the action which was largely responsible for the containment of numerous enemy soldiers who were either captured or killed the next day. Lieutenant Trimble’s outstanding display of leadership and gallantry in action are within the highest military traditions and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: First Lieutenant (Infantry) Joseph Finch Trimble, United States Army, was awarded the Silver Star for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company A, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 502d Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, in a action against the enemy during a search and destroy mission near Tuy Hoa, Republic of Vietnam, on 4 September 1966. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.