The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Bill Bathe, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 6 September 1969, while serving as Acting Platoon Leader with Troop C, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, Sergeant Bathe spotted enemy elements to the rear of another troop. Reacting immediately, he drove toward the enemy to ward off the impending ambush of the friendly forces. Sergeant Bathe’s vehicle began receiving intense volleys of hostile machine gun, rocket and mortar fire. Despite the intense fire, Sergeant Bathe deployed his men in the most advantageous manner to route the enemy troops. Noticing an enemy grenadier closing in on a nearby tank, he accurately fired a single burst from his machine gun, eliminating the enemy soldiers. Throughout the six-hour battle Sergeant Bathe’s daring example of courage and studied professionalism inspired his platoon until the enemy force was routed. Staff Sergeant Bathe’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.