The Secretary of the Army of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Army Commendation Medal to Specialist Fourth Class Noah Louis Lapan, Jr., United States Army, for meritorious service during the period April 1971 to March 1972 while serving s Radio Telephone Operator, 15th Armored Cavalry Regiment and Operations Assistant, 3d Armored Cavalry Brigade. As regimental radio telephone operator Specialist Lapan, with little experience or assistance, took charge of running the regimental advisory detachment Tactical Operations Center and coordinating all support activities between the Army of the Republic of Vietnam counterparts and United States units during combat operations. As radio telephone operator Specialist Lapan demonstrated a high degree of initiative and competence when he assumed the duties of Brigade Operations Assistant in the absence of a noncommissioned officer. He performed such vital functions as setting up field Tactical Operations Centers, consolidating and sorting intelligence data and maintaining liaison with Vietnamese counterparts and available United States combat and combat support units. Through his unrelenting initiative and diligence Specialist Lapan rendered a truly outstanding performance earning for him the respect, confidence and praise of his superiors and Vietnamese counterparts. Specialist Fourth Class Lapan’s performance of duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Army.