DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
Headquarters 1st Cavalry Divison (Airmobile)
APO San Francisco 96490

GENERAL ORDERS
NUMBER 5536

AWARD OF THE SILVER STAR

1. TC 320. The following AWARD is announced posthumously.

RACCA, WILLIAM 214-52-5454 FIRST LIEUTENANT UNITED STATES ARMY
COMPANY B, 5TH BATTALION (AIRMOBILE), 7TH CAVALRY

Awarded:	Silver Star
Date action:	9 April 1969
Theater:	Republic of Vietnam
Reason:	For gallantry in action while involved in military operations involving conflict with a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. First Lieutenant Racca distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 9 April 1969 while serving as a platoon leader with Company B, 5th Battalion (Airmobile), 7th Cavalry, during a search and clear mission in Binh Long Province, Republic of Vietnam. When his unit became heavily engaged with a large force and sustained a casualty, First Lieutenant Racca exposed himself to the intense hostile fire as he moved forward and assisted in carrying the wounded soldier to a secure position. He then reorganized his platoon and maneuvered them forward. When the lead element was pinned down First Lieutenant Racca directed the fire of his men and successfully relieved the pressure on the element. Upon discovering that one soldier could not be withdrawn, First Lieutenant Racca rushed forward with his machine gunners and several riflemen and provided cover for the man's withdrawal. His gallant 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.
Authority:	By direction of the President under the provisions of the Act of Congress, approved 9 July 1918.

FOR THE COMMANDER:
ROBERT M. SHOEMAKER

COLONEL GS
Adjutant General

Racca, William, 1LT