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 Specialist Fourth Class William K. Fergerstrom, United States Army, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 9 August 1969, while serving as a rifleman with the Aero Rifle Platoon of the Air Cavalry Troop, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, he volunteered to participate in a mission to capture several enemy soldiers spotted in an area west of An Loc. After being inserted by a light observation helicopter, Specialist Fergerstrom helped secure the landing zone so that another helicopter could bring in more troops. While moving through dense jungle, the friendly element came upon three enemy soldiers who had been dazed by heavy bomber strikes in the area. Specialist Fergerstrom assisted in securing and searching the prisoners. Information gathered from the three soldiers included the size of the hostile force operating in the area. As he continued to move through the jungle, he spotted three more enemy troops attempting to escape. As a result of Specialist Fergerstrom’s suppressive fire, the search element was able to capture three soldiers. Upon learning that aerial observers had spotted a large enemy force approaching, the friendly element quickly returned to the landing zone with Specialist Fergerstrom providing rear security. Specialist Fergerstrom’s courage, resourcefulness and 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.