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 Private First Class Larry M. Barnhill (ASN: RA-013853514), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Private First Class Barnhill distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 5 December 1955 while serving on a tank crew of Company M, 3d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, during a search and destroy mission in Phuoc Tuy Province. Private Barnhill was in the exposed machine gun position on the tank as it moved into a blocking maneuver against a well fortified Viet Cong bunker system. When sporadic fire was received from the left flank, the tank immediately moved to engage the insurgents. Again from the left flank, a sudden burst of fire struck the tank commander. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Private Barnhill elected to remain in his exposed position, while firing on the Viet Cong, to protect his commander. During the exchange of fire, he received his fatal wound. Private Barnhill’s gallantry in action against a hostile force at the cost of his life, was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.