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) John B. Poindexter, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 6 February 1970 while serving as troop commander of Troop A, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date his troop was securing land-clearing operations in dense jungle north of Tay Ninh when suddenly they received intense rocket propelled grenade, small arms and automatic weapons fire from a force of North Vietnamese Army soldiers. Captain Poindexter directed his troop to protect the equipment and place suppressive fire upon the enemy positions. He sighted an enemy grenadier attempting to fire upon his tank and immediately eliminated him, saving the lives of his crew. Captain Poindexter then insured that all wounded personnel were evacuated and artillery land air strikes were directed on the enemy. Captain Poindexter’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.