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 Sergeant William H. Cone, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 6 July 1969 while serving as a track commander with Troop A, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, Troop A discovered an enemy bunker complex in dense jungle. As the assault on the well-concealed enemy position began, the two lead vehicles were disabled by direct hits from enemy rocket-propelled grenade fire. Sergeant Cone immediately maneuvered his armored vehicle toward his wounded comrades, despite the intense enemy small arms fire and a nearby burst of rocket grenades when injured him. He managed to reach the wounded men, rendered first aid and called for medical assistance. When the medics arrived, Sergeant Cone covered the evacuation of the wounded with suppressive fire from his vehicle. Refusing medical evacuation for himself, he regrouped the friendly forces and led an assault on the enemy positions, resulting in the destruction of several enemy bunkers. Sergeant Cone’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.