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 Specialist Fourth Class Gilbert Holder, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 6 July 1969 while serving as an armored cavalry assault vehicle commander with Troop A, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date during a reconnaissance mission in dense jungle, Troop A was suddenly engaged by an estimated company of North Vietnamese Army soldiers who directed a heavy volume of small arms, automatic weapons and rocket propelled grenade fire at the friendly force. In the initial moments of the contact the two lead vehicles were struck by antitank grenades seriously wounding the platoon leader and platoon sergeant. As a result there was no radio contact between members of the troop. Specialist Holder maneuvered the platoon using hand and arm signals to direct the other vehicles. Although he was constantly exposed to the hostile volleys he managed to bring the platoon on line and moved it to provide protection for the injured men until they could be safely evacuated. During this period Specialist Holder accounted for two enemy killed in action as he directed a tremendous amount of fire power against the well-concealed enemy force. By this time other elements had arrived to reinforce the beleaguered platoon and Specialist Holder again led the men in a sweep of the area, once again exposing himself to the hostile fire finding more bunkers and inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy. Specialist Four Holder’s inspiring actions and calm example were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.