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 Major (Armor) William G. Privette, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 23 February 1969 while serving as Executive Officer of 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date elements of the 1st Squadron were called to eliminate a heavy weapons company of North Vietnamese which was entrenched south of Long Binh Post. Major Privette monitored and joined the troop with another vehicle. After rapidly appraising the situation, he directed the troop to an on line, frontal assault of the enemy positions. They immediately came under intense barrages of automatic weapons, mortar and rocket propelled grenade fire. Major Privette continually exposed himself to the murderous volleys so that he could maintain control and direct the suppressive fire. When he spotted an enemy soldier emerge from a nearby hole, he tried to engage him with his machine gun, but it malfunctioned. With complete disregard for his personal safety, he leaped out of the cupola and assaulted the soldier with his pistol, killing him with extremely accurate and rapid fire. After resuming his normal position on the vehicle, he continued to expose himself as he directed the remainder of the sweep of the area. Major Privette’s skillful and courageous leadership was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.