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 (Armor) Robert Lee Harris, Jr., 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 a platoon leader with Troop L, 3d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date Lieutenant Harris’ platoon was serving as a reaction force and began receiving a heavy volume of hostile fire. In the initial moments of the battle one vehicle commander was killed and the driver seriously wounded. Lieutenant Harris dashed through the hail of bullets and directed the removal of the assault vehicle, safely evacuating the wounded men. As the assault progressed a grenade slammed into his vehicle partially destroying the communications system. He exposed himself to hostile fire as he used hand and arm signals to direct his platoon and coordinate the various aspects of the attack forcing the North Vietnamese to suffer heavy casualties and to leave the area. First Lieutenant Harris’ actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.