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 Sergeant Barry McAlpine (ASN: US-55828485), United States Army, for gallantry in action. Sergeant McAlpine distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 27 May 1967, while serving as a fire team leader with Troop B, 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), during a reconnaissance mission near Duc Pho, Republic of Vietnam. When his platoon made heavy contact with a well-entrenched, reinforced Viet Cong company, two serious casualties were sustained and the platoon was forced to withdraw into a tight defensive perimeter. When the unit’s ammunition supply ran low and the water supply had been totally consumed, an urgent call for re-supply was answered, however, the aircraft was downed by enemy fire outside the friendly perimeter. Without waiting for instructions, Sergeant McAlpine left his position of safety and went to the crash site to aid the downed crewmembers. Despite intense enemy automatic weapons fire, Sergeant McAlpine arrived at the aircraft, freed the wounded pilot and carried him to safety. His selfless and courageous action unquestionably saved the life of one crewmember and prevented more serious injury to four other soldiers. Sergeant McAlpine’s display of personal bravery and concern for the welfare of his fellow soldiers was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.