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 Private First Class “J” “B” Griffin, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 18 June 1969 while serving as a gunner with Troop E, 2d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date while reinforcing besieged units near An Loc, Troop E began receiving intense enemy rocket-propelled grenade and automatic weapon fire. One of the rocket-propelled grenades struck Private Griffin’s vehicle, throwing him to the ground and severely wounding the driver. Private Griffin struggled to his feet and crawled back onto the vehicle. After taking careful aim, he put several bursts of machine gun fire into the enemy position, effectively silencing it. Noticing that the driver was seriously wounded, Private Griffin climbed down to him, at great risk to his own life, and administered first aid. With the enemy fire all around him, Private Griffin pulled the injured man from the vehicle and carried him to a safe position. Private First Class Griffin’s courage, professional ability 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.