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 (Armor) Joel R. Parker (ASN: 0-5300253), United States Army, for gallantry in actions while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 5 December 1966 while serving as Commanding Officer of Troop I, 3d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, Captain Parker’s troop was engaged in a search and destroy mission near Hat Dich during Operation ALEXANDRIA when one of its platoons began to receive sniper fire. As Captain Parker was deploying the remainder of the troop to develop the contact, a large Viet Cong force positioned in an extensive bunker and tunnel complex began to deliver intense small arms, automatic weapons and antitank fire on the unit. While trying to pinpoint the enemy positions, he called in artillery fire to seal off every avenue of escape and directed an air strike that brought ordnance to within twenty-five meters of his position. After the air strikes, Captain Parker led his men in an aggressive assault on the fortified positions. Despite the enemy’s fanatical resistance, he repeatedly exposed himself to intense fire in order to direct and control his elements. As a result of his bravery, composure under fire and aggressive leadership, the Viet Cong were defeated and the troop sustained only minimum casualties. After the battle, Captain Parker led his men in a thorough search of the area which was infested with numerous punji stakes and hundreds of booby traps. Captain Parker’s conspicuous gallantry in the face of an armed enemy was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.