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 Lucian E. Young, United States Army, for gallantry in action against an armed hostile force on 15 January 1967, while serving with the 1st Platoon, Troop L, 3d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date Specialist Young’s platoon was transporting elements of the 173d Airborne Brigade (Separate) in armored cavalry assault vehicles. As the platoon moved into column formation, two of the armored vehicles detonated powerful anti-tank mines. Simultaneously, the platoon began receiving intense automatic weapons fire from enemy ambush positions. Carrying assorted ammunition cargoes, both of the vehicles began to explode and burn. All crew members suffered immediate injuries in the initial explosion, including Specialist Young who received severe burns and a broken shoulder. Disregarding his own wounds, Specialist Young immediately went to the assistance of a comrade who was lying with two broken legs precariously close to the burning tracks. After fearlessly dragging his wounded comrade away from the burning and exploding tracks, Specialist Young returned to the flaming vehicle in an attempt to extract his platoon sergeant. Despite an intense volley of automatic weapons fire and at the threat to his own life, he courageously struggled to free his severely injured platoon sergeant. During his gallant efforts, a powerful explosion hurled him away from the track, severely burning his face and arms and fatally wounding the sergeant. Specialist Fourth Class Young’s outstanding devotion to duty, unwavering courage, and extreme willingness to his comrades in the face of personal danger were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.