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 Sergeant First Class John R. Kisner (ASN: RA-18348859), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 20 March 1969 while serving as a platoon sergeant with Company M, 3d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date Sergeant Kisner’s platoon was the lead element in a combined force of tanks and armored cavalry assault vehicles during an assault on a well-entrenched enemy force. When the platoon leader received severe fragmentation wounds and was disabled, Sergeant Kisner unhesitatingly assumed command of the platoon and continued leading it in the attack on the enemy positions. During the assault his tank sustained a direct hit from an enemy rocket-propelled grenade round, causing the vehicle to erupt in flames and wounding him and his entire crew. In spite of his wounds and burns, Sergeant Kisner personally evacuated all of this wounded comrades. He then remounted his tank, which, although seriously damaged, was still operational and continued assaulting the enemy until the vehicle was destroyed by a second direct hit. Sergeant First Class Kisner’s aggressive and courageous leadership and unwavering 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.