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 a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain (Armor) Arthur L. West, III, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Captain West distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 6 September 1969 while serving as Commanding Officer, Troop C, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, while conducting a reconnaissance mission, Captain West monitored a call that Troop B was in heavy contact with an undetermined sized enemy force. Upon arriving at the contact area, Captain West observed a group of North Vietnamese soldiers attempting to withdraw. Immediately he engaged and eliminated the hostile element. Then, for the duration of the six hour battle, Captain West aggressively took the fight to the enemy. When a hostile mortar round impacted near his armored cavalry assault vehicle, wounding him and several of his men, Captain West remained in the battle to insure the proper and efficient evacuation of his wounded, as well as maintaining control of the troop. After insuring the disposition of his wounded, Captain West turned control of the troop to his senior lieutenant and allowed him to be evacuated. Throughout the contact, Captain West was an inspiration to his men, personally accounting for the elimination of many enemy soldiers. Captain West’s gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.

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 Captain (Armor) Arthur L. West, III, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 19 June 1969 while serving as Commanding Officer of Troop C, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date while Troop C was conducting a reconnaissance mission northeast of Lai Khe, it was suddenly engaged by an estimated twenty North Vietnamese Army soldiers using automatic weapons and rocket propelled grenades. Without hesitating, Captain West immediately moved his vehicle into the main contact zone while deploying the remainder of his troop. Immediately he killed four enemy soldiers as he continued his advance toward the bunker complex. While leading a sweep around the enemy, his vehicle became mired in a swampy area. L However, Captain West climbed out of the cupola and continued to lead his men on the ground as the hostile fire maintained its intensity. He accurately directed the suppressive fire of his troops, resulting in thirteen enemy killed in action and six captured for intelligence purposes with no friendly casualties. Captain West’s courage, dedication to duty and complete disregard for his own safety were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.