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) Jack W. Nielsen (ASN: 0-58534), United States Army, for gallantry in action involving close combat against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Lieutenant Colonel Nielsen distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 18 May 1968, while serving as Commanding Officer of the 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment in the Republic of Vietnam. With complete disregard for his own safety, Lieutenant Colonel Nielsen directed his aircraft to fly at treetop levels so that he could direct artillery and gunships fire against the enemy force which his ground forces had engaged. In the process, his aircraft received to direct hits from an automatic weapon and was forced to make an emergency landing. Realizing the necessity of keeping his men on the move, Lieutenant Colonel Nielsen boarded an armored cavalry assault vehicle and by his presence on the battlefield maintained a high degree of order and discipline as he led the squadron move forward against the enemy. His courageous actions under enemy fire led the men of his squadron to inflict 47 casualties by body count on the enemy force. Lieutenant Colonel Nielsen’s extraordinary heroism in close combat against a Viet Cong force is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.