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 Lieutenant Colonel (Armor) Neal Creighton (ASN: 0-68486), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Lieutenant Colonel Creighton distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on the afternoon of 12 March 1968, while serving as Commanding Officer of the 3d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment. Receiving a report that his tank company was in heavy contact with an estimated battalion of Viet Cong, Lieutenant Colonel Creighton immediately ordered his observation helicopter to the scene and assessed the situation. Realizing that the company was in urgent need of reinforcement, he ordered two troops to move into the area and provide blocking action against the enemy flanks. While he was controlling the ground forces from his helicopter, the tank commander was mortally wounded. Directing his aircraft to land amid a furious hail of fire, Lieutenant Colonel Creighton took command of the company. Completely disregarding his own safety, he fully exposed himself to hostile fire in order to supervise both the assault against the enemy positions and the medical evacuation of several casualties who had been wounded during the initial contact. Lieutenant Colonel Creighton’s outstanding leadership, great tactical knowledge and uncommon bravery were instrumental in inflicting severe losses against the insurgent forces while substantially minimizing friendly casualties. Lieutenant Colonel Creighton’s extraordinary heroism in close combat against a numerically superior Viet Cong force was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.