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 pride in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Major (Infantry) John Alexander Hottell, III, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Cambodia. Captain Hottell distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 24 June 1970, while serving as aide-de-camp with the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) during a troop extraction near Fire Support Base BRONCO in the Republic of Cambodia. As friendly ground units moved to the fire base for extraction, they suddenly came under intense rocket and mortar fire. Captain Hottell, flying in the command and control helicopter, responded immediately and came to the aid of the besieged troops. He made a quick assessment of the situation to aid the commander in coordinating the movement of the ground troops. As the helicopter flew through the hail of anti-aircraft and mortar fire, he leaned precariously from the craft in order to more effectively locate the enemy positions and relay vital information to the pilot. Manifesting combat professionalism, Captain Hottell provided information that enabled the ground units to repel the enemy. After silencing the mortar emplacements, they were extracted without further incident. Captain Hottell’s gallant action was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.