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) Malcolm Stanton Gilchrist, United States Army, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 12 August 1969, while serving as S-3 of Task Force WRIGHT, a combined force which included the 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, Fire Support Base JON came under attack from three directions. Unhesitatingly, Captain Gilchrist left the relative safety of his command bunker to assist in the coordination of the base defense. Disregarding the incoming enemy rounds, he moved around the perimeter to ensure that accurate counterfire was being directed against the hostile emplacements. Upon being informed of possible enemy movement in an area that could not be reached by direct fire, Captain Gilchrist moved to the area to eliminate the danger of hostile small arms fire. He then returned to the perimeter and continued directing the defensive fire. When he learned of the general location of an enemy forward observer position, he exposed himself to the hostile fusillade in order to draw fire and pinpoint the position. As a result, friendly gunners were able to eliminate the observer team. He continued to expose himself to the enemy barrage in order to evacuate wounded personnel and direct the friendly defense until the attacking hostile force had been repulsed. Captain Gilchrist’s courageous leadership 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.