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 pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Captain (Infantry) William Arthur Hoos, Jr. (ASN: 0-95978), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of Company A, 1st Battalion, 5th Mechanized Infantry, 25th Infantry Division, during a reconnaissance in force operation near Cu Chi, Republic of Vietnam on 14 February 1966. During the early morning hours Captain Hoos’ company made contact with and engaged a well-fortified Viet Cong force employing small arms and automatic weapons. With complete disregard for his own safety Captain Hoos continuously exposed himself to the intense hostile fire while leading his men through the heavily booby trapped area. He personally directed the fires of his men, administered to their needs, maintained an air of calmness and strong leadership, and assisted in protecting the landing site he had selected for the evacuation of casualties. He constantly cautioned his men about booby traps and personally pointed them out to his men that day. While directing fire against a hostile emplacement, a command detonated mine was exploded directly to the front of Captain Hoos which mortally wounded him. Inspired by his dauntless and heroic actions of that day, Captain Hoos’ men successfully completed the mission. Captain Hoos’ extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty in close combat against a numerically superior hostile force were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.