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 Captain (Infantry) William A. Paris, United States Army, for gallantry in actions while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 20 January 1970 while serving as platoon leader, Aero Scout Platoon, Air Cavalry Troop, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date Captain Paris volunteered to make a visual reconnaissance of an area where there were suspected enemy mortar emplacements. Heavy enemy fire and friendly counter fire had produced a haze over the entire area, making it necessary for Captain Paris to fly at treetop level and at a very slow speed. Suddenly his ship was taken under intense ground fire from enemy antiaircraft positions and burst into flames. Captain Paris quickly averted a crash while calling in artillery and gunship strikes. Another burst of enemy fire struck the ship and Captain Paris managed to set the helicopter down. Captain Paris left the scene of the crash and dashed to a nearby bomb crater where he could overhear enemy soldiers setting up mortar emplacements. Although wounded and in a state of shock, he directed gunship strikes with hand and arm signals. Armed with only a pistol Captain Paris remained in this precarious position until a helicopter arrived to extract him. As it arrived, Captain Paris dashed through the intense enemy fire and clung to the helicopter skid as the aircraft maneuvered out of the contact area. Captain Paris’ 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.