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 (Medical Service Corps), [then Infantry] William L. Speer, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer, Company B, 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry, 196th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division, on 8 January 1968, in the Republic of Vietnam. Company B was conducting a combat operation northwest of Fire Sport Base WEST in the Que Son Valley when it engaged a North Vietnamese Army force of almost Battalion size. The company was immediately pinned down by heavy small arms fire from three sides. Disregarding the heavy small arms fire, Captain Speer moved about, evaluating the positions of his platoons, informing them of the locations of the other platoons, and encouraging his new men. During the course of the battle he was informed that personnel in an enemy bunker were placing heavy fire on the 1st Platoon. Using several hand grenades, he eliminated the enemy strong point. The better to control the various elements of his unit, he moved to the center of a rice paddy to the east. From that position, he controlled a retrograde movement of his unit and evacuation of the wounded to a secure village. He pointed out targets and directed artillery fire to within 50 yards of his position. He then rejoined his unit in the village where he organized and redistributed ammunition. While evacuating casualties, his unit came under indirect enemy fire. Learning that the 60-millimeter-mortar base plate had been lost, he improvised a base plate and then directed mortar fire and into the enemy locations. The mortar fire effectively stopped the enemy advance. Captain Speer’s decisive leadership and gallant conduct inspired his men and contributed to the successful defeat of determined enemy attack. His conduct was in keeping with the cherished traditions of the military service and reflected utmost credit on him and the United States Army.