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 Warrant Officer William Colqueth Hix, Jr., United States Army, for gallantry in action evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam. Warrant Officer Hix distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 5 February 1969, as the commander of a UH-1H Medical Ambulance Helicopter of the 1st Platoon, 68th Medical Group, 44th Medical Brigade, on a mission to evacuate seriously wounded Vietnamese Army soldiers near Xuan Loc, South Vietnam. The Pilot was briefed on the high level of enemy activity in the area, but he and his crew calmly determined to proceed with the rescue. While three casualties were being hoisted the aircraft became the target of intense hostile fire and received several hits. Braving the Communists’ fusillade, Warrant Officer Hix continued to hover over the jungle until the patients were safely inside. After delivering them to the hospital, he courageously returned to the battle area to insure quick evacuation and treatment for the remaining seriously wounded men. As he prepared to make extraction, his ship was struck by an enemy rocket propelled grenade which caused it to crash in flames, killing all aboard. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Warrant Officer Poole, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.