Navy Federal Credit Union

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 a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Corps of Engineers) George A. Greene, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 17 July 1969 while serving with the 919th Engineer Company (Armored), 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date while supervising a road-upgrading operation south of An Loc, Lieutenant Greene received word that a resupply convoy had been attached by a well-concealed enemy battalion. Unhesitatingly, he assembled his seven-vehicle force and rushed to the scene of the contact. Although his element immediately began receiving hostile machine gun and rocket propelled grenade fire, he led his vehicles into the center of the battle and directed their return fire. Upon noticing that several friendly casualties had fallen exposed to the enemy fusillade, Lieutenant Greene began making trips through the impacting rocket-propelled grenades to evacuate the wounded soldiers. When he was sure that they were receiving proper medical assistance, he rejoined the assault on the hostile positions. His skillful and inspiring leadership was instrumental in the decisive defeat of the enemy force. First Lieutenant Greene’s outstanding courage, devotion to duty and concern for the welfare of his fellow soldiers were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Corps of Engineers)

    Regiment:

    11th Armored Cavalry Regiment

    Action Date:

    April 17, 1969

    Headquarters, II Field Force, Vietnam, General Orders No. 3799 (November 4, 1969)

    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 First Lieutenant (Corps of Engineers) George A. Greene, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 17 April 1969 while serving as a platoon leader with the 919th Engineer Company (Armored), 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date the jump command post of the 1st Squadron was suddenly engaged by an unknown size North Vietnamese Army force. The attached infantry elements were quickly pinned by intense automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenade fire from their right flank. Lieutenant Greene organized his platoon and directed its deployment to provide relief for the beleaguered element. As his platoon directed massive firepower against the entrenched enemy positions, he noticed that several men had been wounded by fragments from a rocket grenade. Reacting instantly, he directed the clearing of a landing zone and made certain that all the injured personnel were safely evacuated. As the infantry elements were freed, they came on line with Lieutenant Greene’s platoon and began moving forward again when he saw a bunker that had not been cleared. He jumped off his vehicle armed only with a pistol when he alertly spotted an enemy soldier charging out of the bunker with a machine gun. Reacting instantly he killed the man with one shot. He then helped establish and organize a night defensive position. He then helped establish and organize a night defensive position. First Lieutenant Greene’s devotion to duty and complete disregard for his own safety were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.