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 Staff Sergeant Willis R. Embree, United States Army, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 18 March 1969, while serving as a Platoon Leader with Company D, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, Company D was conducting a reconnaissance mission when it suddenly came under intense enemy small arms, automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenade fire. Reacting instantly, Sergeant Embree organized his platoon, directing a heavy volume of fire towards the well-concealed and heavily-fortified enemy positions. Despite losing two vehicle commanders in the initial moments he continued to assault the position firing his heavy machine gun. Ignoring the intense rocket-propelled grenade fire, Sergeant Embree spotted three hostile teams and engaged them, resulting in their elimination. He continually exposed himself to the intense enemy fire as he engaged another rocket-propelled grenade team, killing them instantly. Throughout the three hour battle he inspiringly led his men in the overwhelming defeat of the enemy force, as he accounted for fifteen enemy killed in action. Staff Sergeant Embree’s courageous leadership and complete disregard for his own safety 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 Staff Sergeant Willis R. Embree, United States Army, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 6 July 1969, while serving as a Platoon Sergeant with Company D, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, while traveling through a heavily enemy-infested area, Sergeant Embree spotted five Viet Cong. Reacting instantly, he directed his vehicles to move out in search of the enemy. The enemy soldiers immediately ran for cover in thick bamboo jungle, but Sergeant Embree maneuvered his vehicles into the dense jungle, disregarding the possibility of a sudden attack by an enemy force. After a quick sweep of the area, he again spotted the Viet Cong as they moved into an open area in the bamboo. He immediately engaged them with his machine gun, attempting to stop them from running again. After a gunship had expended its ammunition, Sergeant Embree dismounted his vehicle, armed only with his personal weapon and proceeded on foot. Moving rapidly, he surprised four of them, immediately taking them as prisoners. He then directed their extraction from the area to an interrogation point where valuable information was gained. Staff Sergeant Embree’s 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.