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 Specialist Fourth Class Allan C. Wharfield, III, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 7 June 1969 while serving as a machine gunner with Troop G, 2d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date while conducting a reconnaissance operation near An Loc, the troop suddenly came under intense fire from an estimated enemy battalion using small arms, automatic weapons and rocket propelled grenades. Specialist Wharfield, who was dismounted from his vehicle when the hostile force opened fire, scrambled to a nearby ditch and engaged the enemy with his rifle. Seeing an enemy bunker less than twenty meters to his front, he charged the position and killed its occupant. When an assault moved to his location, Specialist Wharfield mounted it and began firing at the hostile troops with a machine gun. As the troop assaulted the enemy positions, one of the vehicles were hit by a rocket propelled grenade. Disregarding his own safety he ran through the hostile fusillade to aid the wounded crew members. After he had assisted in the evacuation of the casualties Specialist Wharfield returned to his vehicle and again manned his machine gun. Realizing that he could place more effective fire on the enemy from the front of the vehicle, he removed the weapon for its mounting behind a shield and moved forward to an exposed fighting position. As the four hour battle continued he dismounted his vehicle on several occasions to destroy enemy bunkers and redistribute ammunition. His heroic actions contributed significantly to the eventual rout of the hostile force. Specialist Four Wharfield’s outstanding courage, devotion to duty and concern for the welfare of his fellow soldiers were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.