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 Fifth Class Johnny K. LaMontia, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving as a Crew Chief with Headquarters Troop, 2d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, Specialist LaMontia was flying a visual reconnaissance mission when a radio message of suspected enemy movement was received. The pilot flew to the area of suspected sighting and Specialist LaMontia began firing his machine gun in an attempt to draw enemy fire. On one pass, the helicopter received intense small arms fire from the ground. After the pilot extricated the craft from the area, artillery fire was called in. Then the craft descended to make an evaluation of the damage. While the craft hovered Specialist LaMontia spotted several packs and equipment lying on the ground near a bunker complex. As the craft descended, he spotted an enemy soldier. Every effort was made to allow the insurgent to surrender, but he would not comply, and Specialist LaMontia commenced fire with his machine gun. After helicopter landed, Specialist LaMontia dismounted his machine gun and assaulted the adjacent bunkers. Upon entering one bunker, he encountered an enemy soldier and quickly eliminated him. Specialist LaMontia continued to search the area while other members of the crew collected the packs. These packs were later found to contain valuable intelligence information. Specialist Five LaMontia’s actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.