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 Platoon Sergeant Wayne M. Hukill (ASN: RA-25941527), United States Army, for gallantry in action involving close combat against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Platoon Sergeant Hukill distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 28 March 1968 while serving as a Platoon Sergeant with Troop L, 3d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment on a reconnaissance in force mission in conjunction with elements of the 25th Division Army, Republic of Vietnam near Hiep Hoa, Vietnam. Despite extreme danger from intense hostile fire, Sergeant Hukill courageously moved his vehicle into the killing zone of the enemy ambush in order to more effectively direct fire on the insurgents. While providing suppressive fire Sergeant Hukill observed the commander of a supporting tank company receive a serous wound. Immediately Sergeant Hukill directed his vehicle between the stricken tank and the enemy force and from his exposed position directed his men’s covering fire. When the vehicles’ wounded had been removed Sergeant Hukill moved forward to within 15 meters of the hostile fortifications and from that vulnerable position succeeded in destroying three enemy bunkers and all within. Through this gallant action the enemy’s perimeter was breached and the allied troops were able to advance and rout the entire insurgent force. Platoon Sergeant Hukill’s extraordinary heroism in close combat against a numerically superior Viet Cong force is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.