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 Calvin B. Cathcart, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Staff Sergeant Cathcart distinguished himself on 29 April 1971 while commanding an armored assault vehicle of Troop E, 2d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment during a security mission north of Trang Bang. As his platoon advanced, they encountered a hostile force firing rocket-propelled grenade and automatic weapons. Suddenly, his vehicle was hit by an enemy rocket. Ignoring his own wounds, he assured that his crew was quickly evacuated. Then, Sergeant Cathcart raced to the aid of another crew who had sustained wounds from ricocheting shrapnel. Loading the wounded personnel aboard an armored vehicle, he delivered them to the rear. Although wounded, he returned to the front line and began placing devastating machine gun fire upon the foe, silencing several enemy bunkers. Staff Sergeant Cathcart’s gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.