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 Warrant Officer One (WO-1) Larry P. Spencer (ASN: W-3158943), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 1 December 1968 while serving as a pilot with the Air Cavalry Troop of the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date in the vicinity of Bien Hoa, Warrant Officer Spencer participated in an assault upon an enemy force of unknown size. Though receiving a continuous barrage of enemy automatic weapons fire, Warrant Officer Spencer radioed pertinent information of the enemy’s location and strength to his commander. During one of his numerous passes over the hostile elements, his aircraft received a number of direct hits from enemy automatic weapons fire, damaging the aircraft and wounding him. Despite his pain, Warrant Officer Spencer displayed exceptional flying ability and successfully landed his aircraft without further damaging it. Warrant Officer Spencer’s unwavering devotion to duty and personal bravery were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.