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 Captain (Armor) Jon D. Collins (ASN: 0-98397), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 24 September 1967 in the Republic of Vietnam. Captain Collins distinguished himself while serving as Commanding Officer of Troop G, 2d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment. On that date, Captain Collins and his troop were alerted to reinforce Troop F, which was reported engaged in heavy contact with a North Vietnamese Army company. Upon establishing contact with Troop F, his men immediately began receiving heavy automatic weapons and recoilless rifle fire from a firmly entrenched hostile force within the village of Quy My. In conjunction with Troop F, and despite intense enemy fire which had already caused several casualties to personnel of his unit, Captain Collins dauntlessly led his troop through the village. With complete disregard for his own safety, he repeatedly exposed himself and his lead vehicle to heavy enemy fire. By his bold and daring maneuvers, Captain Collins and his troop killed 33 North Vietnamese soldiers and captured 12 individual and crew-served weapons during their hard-fought battle. Captain Collins’ outstanding personal courage and decisive leadership contributed immeasurably to the destruction of a well-fortified and equipped North Vietnamese Army unit. Captain Collins’ unquestionable valor while engaged in close combat under extremely heavy enemy fire was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.