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 (Armor) John Charles Fremont Tillson, IV, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 18 April 1969 while serving as Commanding Officer of Troop A, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date while conducting a reconnaissance in force operation in dense jungle, a combined armor and infantry task force under his leadership came under intense fire from a well concealed heavily fortified enemy force. Reacting instantly, Captain Tillson directed his elements in returning fire and in maneuvering into positions so as to gain fire superiority. Then while leading the friendly force in an assault on the hostile positions, he continually exposed himself to the enemy fusillade in order to maintain control over his elements, to pinpoint and place fire on the hostile fortifications and to toss grenades into the bunkers. Upon seeing a tank disabled by a direct rocket propelled grenade hit, he unhesitatingly maneuvered his vehicle in front of the damaged tank to provide protection for the wounded crew members while they were being evacuated. When several medics came under enemy fire, Captain Tillson dismounted his vehicle and ran through the intense hostile fire to aid the wounded medics and combat soldiers. After assisting in the evacuation of the casualties, he observed a tank burst into flames. Disregarding the enemy fusillade and the possibility of explosions, he mounted the burning vehicle and extracted the wounded crew members. His aggressive and skillful leadership turned a determined enemy attack into a decisive friendly victory. Captain Tillson’s outstanding courage, devotion to duty and deep concern for the welfare of his men were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

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 a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain (Armor) John Charles Fremont Tillson, IV, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 13 April 1969 while serving as the Troop Commander of Troop A, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date Captain Tillson received word that one of his rifle platoons from the Air Cavalry Troop was pinned down by very intense hostile fire. Using a Light Observation Helicopter as a guide, he directed his troop four kilometers to the contact zone. Upon arriving he found enemy troops concentrated throughout the entire area. Despite the continual mortar attack directed at the troop, Captain Tillson skillfully directed his armored assault vehicles into the attack and quickly destroyed two mortar positions. Proceeding with the assault, the troop came upon the beleaguered rifle platoon. Decisively, Captain Tillson organized the combined elements into an effective fighting force and again mounted an intense assault. As the received heavy volumes of fire from several different directions, a vehicle on his right was damaged by rocket propelled grenades. Instructing his track commander to continue with the assault, Captain Tillson jumped from his vehicle ignoring the withering hail of enemy fire directed at him as he raced to the burning vehicle. Acting quickly and efficiently, he pulled two crew members who had been trapped inside and carried them to safety. He then returned to his own vehicle and coordinated the platoons in a final assault which completely overwhelmed the heavily fortified hostile emplacements. Captain Tillson’s outstanding devotion to duty and deep concern for the welfare of his men were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.