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 Staff Sergeant Cary Hubert Siler (ASN: RA-54340332), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 11 April 1967 while assigned to Troop I, 3d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, Sergeant Siler was serving as Vehicle Commander of an armored cavalry assault vehicle participating in a search and destroy mission during Operation Junction City II. While proceeding through dense jungle terrain, his armored column encountered a well-armed Viet Cong force. Almost immediately, one of the column’s vehicles was hit and disabled by a round from an enemy antitank weapon. Quickly assessing the gravity of the situation, Sergeant Siler reacted instantly and maneuvered his own vehicle between the stricken armored element and the intense enemy automatic weapons fire. Without regard for his own personal safety, he began to direct heavy suppressive fire on the Viet Cong positions. Suddenly, his vehicle was also hit by antitank fire, wounding two of his crew members. Sergeant Siler courageously remained in the burning vehicle, exposing himself to intense enemy fire in order to provide cover fire for the evacuation of his two comrades. As he continued his gallant efforts, he was mortally wounded by Viet Cong small arms fire. His unhesitating actions and extreme courage were directly responsible for saving the lives of two of his men and foiling an attempt by the enemy to destroy the armored column. Sergeant Siler’s extraordinary heroism in close combat with the was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.