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 (Armor) Garland Ray McSpadden (ASN: 0-57139), United States Army, for gallantry in action against a hostile force on 24 September 1967 in the Republic of Vietnam. Lieutenant Colonel McSpadden distinguished himself by gallant actions while serving as Commanding Officer of the 2d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment. On that date, F Troop was conducting a sweep through a suspected enemy village when heavy sniper fire from automatic weapons and recoilless rifles was received. Colonel McSpadden immediately moved to the scene of contact in his helicopter, quickly evaluated the situation and assumed personal control of the encounter. During the course of battle, Colonel McSpadden remained over the actions, except for necessary refueling stops. In order to have better control over his units, Colonel McSpadden continually hovered at altitudes of 700 feet and less despite intense enemy fire and numerous friendly ricochets. At night fall, Colonel McSpadden landed his ship behind his units and joined the troops at the scene of the battle where he remained throughout the night, despite sporadic enemy fire and mortar attacks. When the battle ended the following day, 48 enemy soldiers had been killed and numerous enemy weapons captured. Colonel McSpadden’s personal courage contributed immeasurably to the defeat of the well-fortified and heavily armed North Vietnamese Army Company. Lieutenant Colonel McSpadden’s gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.