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 Second Lieutenant (Armor) Martin Amestoy, III, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 7 June 1969, while serving as a Platoon Leader with Troop G, 2d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date his platoon was on a reconnaissance mission when the lead vehicles in the armored column suddenly came under intense small arms, automatic weapons and rocket propelled grenade fire from an estimated enemy battalion. Lieutenant Amestoy quickly located the source of the heaviest hostile fire and directed his vehicles into an assault formation and led an attack on a group of enemy positions. Because of a loss of radio contact, he stood on his vehicle and directed his platoon by hand signals. While in this exposed position, he was wounded when a rocket propelled grenade exploded nearby. Refusing medical attention, he continued to lead his vehicles in overrunning the hostile positions. Several times during the four-hour battle, he left his vehicle and ran through enemy fire to aid casualties and reorganize the assault formation. Second Lieutenant Amestoy’s actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.