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) John P. Prillaman (ASN: 0-69280), United States Army, for gallantry in action involving conflict with an armed hostile force during the period 18 August 1968 to 12 September 1968 while serving as Commanding Officer of the 2d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, the Vietnamese District Headquarters at Loc Ninh came under attack by elements of the North Vietnamese Army. Colonel Prillaman was directed to open the road between An Loc and Loc Ninh and later to defend the district compound. With only five platoons, Colonel Prillaman faced the two enemy regiments for three days. During this period though under heavy enemy small arms and mortar fire, Colonel Prillaman, with complete disregard for his own safety, constantly exposed himself to the hostile fire to coordinate the defensive operations. Through skillful utilization of his small force, he drove the entrenched enemy from the friendly compounds and secure the Loc Ninh Air Strip. On 25 August 1968, Colonel Prillaman reinforced his unit with a platoon of tanks, a sixth platoon of assault vehicles and the squadron howitzer battery. Commanding from theirhis own assault vehicle, he personally led his troops in the assaults to overrun the fortified enemy positions. On one occasion, while cut off from other friendly troops, Colonel Prillaman maintained control of the situation while personally eliminating enemy antitank team with his personal weapon. As a result of Colonel Prillaman’s leadership and professionalism, the 2d Squadron was able to defeat the enemy with a confirmed body count of over 156 Viet Cong killed in action. Lieutenant Colonel Prillaman’s outstanding devotion to duty, disregard for his own safety and exceptional leadership ability were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.