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 pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Specialist Fourth Class Jimmy Linwood Rhodes (ASN: US-53409577), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Specialist Fourth Class Rhodes distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving with Troop C, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, on 21 November 1966 while serving as driver of an armored assault vehicle during an escort mission to a truck convoy near Xuan Loc. As the convoy made contact with a large Viet Cong force, Specialist Fourth Class Rhodes’ vehicle received several hits which set it on fire and wounded several of the crew members. When the heat from the flames became too intense, the crew, with the exception of Specialist Fourth Class Rhodes, abandoned the vehicle. Seeing his comrades at the mercy of the Viet Cong, he stayed in the vehicle and moved it forward along the road to distract the hostile fire from them. He lost his life while climbing out of the burning vehicle. Specialist Fourth Class Rhodes’ gallantry in action against a hostile force was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.