The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Specialist Fourth Class William B. Simpkins, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Specialist Simpkins distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 13 October 1959, while serving as a squad leader with Troop B, 3d Squadron, 5th Cavalry during a search and destroy mission northeast of Cam Lo, Quang Tri Province. As his squad was moving along the edge of a rice paddy Specialist Simpkins detected movement from the other side of the paddy. Halting the squad, he proceeded to investigate. As he was crossing the paddy he sighted five enemy soldiers concealed in an apparent ambush position. After shouting a warning to his men he charged the enemy, firing his grenade launcher. His first round struck and killed a North Vietnamese Army soldier. The remaining enemy soldiers then fired on him with automatic weapons. Despite the intense hostile fire, Specialist Simpkins continued to charge the enemy position. After killing another enemy soldier the remaining three hastily withdrew from their positions. Specialist Simpkins’ courageous actions averted an ambush on his squad and resulted in two enemy dead and two prisoners. Specialist Simpkins’ gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.