The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Specialist Fourth Class Selby E. Egender, Jr., United States Army, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 9 June 1969 while serving as Senior Observer with Troop L, 3d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, Specialist Egender’s armored cavalry assault vehicle came under intense enemy small arms, automatic weapons, and rocket-propelled grenadefire from a well-concealed North Vietnamese Army force, which killed the tank commander and wounded three others inside the vehicle. Specialist Egender, with complete disregard for his own safety and in intense enemy fire, removed all wounded personnel from the flaming vehicle, frequently using his own body as a shield to protect the wounded from the enemy fire. He then began firing on the enemy positions, providing covering fire until evacuation of the wounded could be completed. Specialist Egender’s heroic 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.