The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Boyce A. Cates for gallantry in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force: Captain Cates distinguished himself while providing aerial visual reconnaissance for a search and destroy operation in Kien Toung Province, Republic of Viet Nam. While piloting his O-1D “Bird Dog” aircraft over an airboat transported portion of the operation he was notified that the supported troops were receiving intense small arms and automatic weapons fire. In the ensuing battle the airboats became disorganized and one boat was stranded with it’s wounded crew when it became disabled. With complete disregard for his own life he made repeated low level rocket runs on the advancing Viet Cong troops while attempting to get the airboats reorganized to attack and aid the stranded crew. His actions drew the fire of the hostile force away from the stranded boat and enabled a rescue party to tow it to safety. Later the same day he once again distinguished himself when an assault boat on the same operation came under intense fire and stalled in the water. The lone survivor on the boat radioed to Captain Cates for cover while he attempted to pull the boat to safety. Once again he exposed himself to withering enemy fire in an attempt to cover the boats withdrawal. After silencing two machine guns with his own rockets, he directed armed helicopters in strikes against other automatic weapons in the area. After two hours of endless action the stalled boat was returned to the friendly hands along with its survivor. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.

General Orders: : Headquarters, 1^st Aviation Brigade, General Orders No. 4264 (September 9, 1967)

Action Date: 14 November 1967

Service: Army

Rank: Captain