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 Harry H. Bright (ASN: RA-53318896), United States Army, for gallantry in action involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Staff Sergeant Bright distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on the night of 19 June 1967, while serving as a squad leader with the 3d Platoon, 919th Engineer Company, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment. Sergeant Bright’s unit was incorporated into a squadron perimeter when an estimated reinforced battalion of Viet Cong viciously attacked with a barrage of mortars and automatic weapons fire. Reacting instantly, Sergeant Bright rallied his men and led them in delivering a highly accurate volley of return fire upon the insurgents. At that moment, as he was opening the cupola of his Armored Cavalry Assault Vehicle, Sergeant Bright received a painful head wound from flying shrapnel. Undaunted, he continued to direct a devastating volley of fire upon the fanatical insurgents. An anti-tank rocket then penetrated his vehicle, wounding several occupants. Braving a hail of Viet Cong bullets and the flames created by the rocket round, Sergeant Bright evacuated the wounded men and immediately returned to extinguish the fire. Realizing that his empty vehicle created a gap in the perimeter, he mounted and directed withering M-79 grenade fire upon the bewildered attackers. He overcame the agonizing pain and profuse bleeding of his wounds and refused medical attention, remaining aboard his vehicle until daylight. Staff Sergeant Bright’s extraordinary heroism in close combat with a hostile force was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.