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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Howard Martin Harmless, II (ASN: OF-111590), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 20 March 1969 while serving as platoon leader of the Aero Rifle Platoon, Air Cavalry Troop, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date when the platoon came under fire from a well-fortified enemy bunker complex, Lieutenant Harmless immediately rallied his men and moved them to a more secure position to await air strikes. Upon their completion he took charge of the lead squad and personally led an assault on the hostile fortifications. When two of his men were felled by enemy automatic weapons fire, he raced through the intense hostile fire and moved them to safety. After calling in an evacuation helicopter, Lieutenant Harmless expertly coordinated his platoon with reinforcing armor and infantry elements. As a result of his skillful organization and courageous leadership, the enemy positions were quickly overrun and destroyed. First Lieutenant Harmless’ outstanding courage and unwavering devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.