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 First Lieutenant (Armor) Timothy D. W. Kerns, United States Army, for gallantry in action on 13 April 1969, during Operation MONTANA RAIDER, near Nui Ba Den, Republic of Vietnam. Lieutenant Kerns, a platoon leader with Company D, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, was alerted to relieve elements of the 1st Cavalry Division and 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment Aero Rifle Platoon pinned down by North Vietnamese Army troops who had occupied a large base camp discovered by 1st Cavalry Division Troops. As his tanks and elements of Troop A, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, approached the camp, they came under heavy enemy mortar fire from the camp and were quickly engaged in an intense firefight with North Vietnamese Army troops dug in with mutually supporting bunkers and overhead cover. Lieutenant Kerns observed a group of 12 to 15 United States casualties pinned down by direct fire from a North Vietnamese Army bunker. Disregarding the heavy fire emanating from the bunker, Lieutenant Kerns attacked and led a charge that destroyed the bunker. After assuring the evacuation of casualties was under way, Lieutenant Kerns reformed his platoon with Troop A elements behind him in support and charged directly through the main North Vietnamese Army positions. His assault broke the North Vietnamese Army defenses, and the enemy disengaged and fled into the jungle. At least 11 enemy soldiers were killed and the lives of a dozen or more United States casualties were saved by the heroism, determination, and coolness under fire of Lieutenant Kerns. His total disregard for his personal safety, and his unflinching devotion to the mission and our men, reflected great credit upon himself, the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment and the United States Army.