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 Platoon Sergeant Cleveland Britton (ASN: RA-53222144), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 18 April 1968 while serving as Platoon Sergeant with Troop K, 3d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, elements from Troop K, along with one platoon from 3d Squadron M, made contact with an estimated two companies of well-entrenched Viet Cong in the vicinity of Phu Loi. Reacting instantly, Sergeant Britton directed a devastating volume of highly accurate suppressive fire into the hostile positions with his .50 caliber machine gun. Suddenly the lead tank received two direct hits from enemy anti-tank rockets severely wounding the entire crew. Sergeant Britton immediately instructed his crew to continue with the assault and, totally disregarding the intensive hostile fire, dashed to the disabled tank, immediately removed the crew and began administering first aid. Seeing that the commander was critically injured, he again exposed himself to the hostile small arms, automatic weapons and anti-tank rocket fire to sprint to the evacuation vehicle and obtain a medical Corpsman. Sergeant Britton then placed highly accurate suppressive fire upon the hostile positions while the Corpsman treated the wounded troopers, then aided in their evacuation to the rear holding area. Returning to his vehicle, he maneuvered it into the lead position in the assault formation and led the elements in their final assault on the entrenched enemy force, completely destroying their positions. Sergeant Britton’s unwavering devotion to duty, deep concern for the welfare of his comrades in arms and disregard for his personal safety while under hostile fire were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.