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 First Lieutenant (Armor) William F. Mills (ASN: 0-5335610), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 27 November 1968 while serving as a platoon leader with Troop C, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date in the vicinity of Loc Ninh, Troop C was conducting a reconnaissance in force mission when it suddenly received a heavy concentration of small arms, automatic weapons and rocket propelled grenade antitank rocket fire from an estimated North Vietnamese Army company. Reacting instantly, Lieutenant Mills maneuvered his platoon into an assault formation, raking the enemy positions with highly-accurate machine gun fire. When one of his gunners was wounded he disregarded his own personal safety and pulled the wounded trooper from his position and carried him to safety. Returning to his vehicle, he began clearing and securing a landing zone when again, the friendly forces came under an intense barrage of hostile mortar fire followed by an enemy assault. Lieutenant Mills immediately counter assaulted the enemy killing a number of them and scattering the remainder. First Lieutenant Mills’ courage, dedication to duty and disregard of personal safety were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.