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 Fourth Class William F. Montgomery, Jr., United States Army, for gallantry in actions while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 9 April 1970 while serving as a Medical Aidman with Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 2d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date Fire Support Base Defiance came under an intense mortar, rocket-propelled grenade, small arms and automatic weapons attack from an estimated battalion of North Vietnamese Army Regulars. When he saw an assault vehicle struck by a rocket-propelled grenade Specialist Montgomery ran through the fragment torn base and began to administer aid to the wounded crew members. Despite the painful burns, Specialist Montgomery carried the injured soldiers to the aid station. He then returned to the perimeter to insure all wounded personnel had been taken care of. When contact had been broken Specialist Montgomery directed the landing and loading of medical evacuation helicopters. At this time the helipad came under an indirect fire attack. Specialist Montgomery instructed the wounded to take cover, but remained exposed to the enemy rounds to direct the helicopters away from the area. Specialist Fourth Class Montgomery’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.