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 (Armor) William J. Sidebottom, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 17 February 1969 while serving as a platoon leader with Troop F, 2d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date his troop swept through an enemy base camp without meeting any resistance. As he led a dismounted element in a search of the enemy bunkers, the small force was suddenly hit by small arms, automatic weapons and rocket propelled grenade fire, seriously wounding several friendly troops. As he directed his men back to their armored vehicles, he noticed that one of his men could not walk because of leg wounds. Disregarding the hostile fire, Lieutenant Sidebottom carried the casualty to a medic. After calling for artillery and gunship strikes, he returned to the contact area and discovered two more casualties, whom he evacuated to safety. Upon learning that three more men were still deep in the camp, Lieutenant Sidebottom raced back into the contested area. Suddenly several grenades exploded nearby, seriously wounding him in the back. Despite his wound he helped the tree men, including one wounded man, back to the safety of the armored vehicles. He then called in evacuation helicopters and adjusted artillery fire and airstrikes on the enemy base camp. First Lieutenant Sidebottom’s actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.