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 Staff Sergeant Clinton C. Adkins (ASN: RA-52423377), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 9 June 1969, while serving as a Platoon Sergeant with Company M, 3d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, while conducting a reconnaissance operation, the company made contact with a well-entrenched enemy force using automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenades. Although seriously wounded in the early moments of the engagement, Sergeant Adkins refused medical assistance and stayed with his men. A short time later when the platoon leader was wounded critically, Sergeant Adkins ordered him evacuated and assumed command of the platoon. Continuing to disregard his wounds, he led his vehicles in an assault on the hostile fortifications. When two of the platoon’s three tanks were hit by rocket-propelled grenades, Sergeant Adkins, commanding the only combat operational tank remaining, maneuvered his vehicle forward to provide protective fire while the damaged tanks moved to the rear. He did not break contact until the other two vehicles had reached safety and the enemy fire had ceased. Staff Sergeant Adkins’ outstanding courage, determination and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.