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 Lieutenant Colonel (Medical Corps) William S. Augerson (ASN: 0-74628), United States Army, for gallantry in action against a hostile force on 8 January 1968 in the Republic of Vietnam. Lieutenant Colonel Augerson distinguished himself by intrepid actions while serving as the Americal Division Surgeon. On that date, he was making liaison visits to fire support bases during a period of heavy contact with an element of the North Vietnamese Army. When a call for an emergency evacuation came in, Colonel Augerson volunteered to fly into the evacuation area as medical attendant. Upon sighting a smoke signal from the ground, the pilot began his approach when the helicopter was suddenly taken under intense enemy fire. Without hesitation, Colonel Augerson went to the door of the helicopter and engaged the enemy with an M-16 rifle. Upon landing, he quickly leaped from the aircraft and immediately went to the aid of the wounded. Although he was continually exposed to hostile fire, Colonel Augerson expertly cared for the wounded and prepared them for evacuation. His total disregard for his own safety and his avid devotion to duty were responsible for saving the lives of at least two wounded soldiers. Lieutenant Colonel Augerson’s unquestionable valor in close combat and unselfish concern for his fellow soldiers were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Americal Division and the United States Army.