Philip D. Grimm

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Philip D. Grimm, Lieutenant Colonel, for gallantry in action against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Lieutenant Colonel Grimm distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 29 May 1970 while commanding the 4th Battalion, 3d Infantry. On that date, Colonel Grimm was flying in his command and control helicopter near the hamlet of Tan Tho when he received word that a friendly observation helicopter had been downed by hostile fire near his location. Reacting immediately, he instructed his pilot to fly to the crash site and provide assistance for the endangered crew members. Arriving on station, Colonel Grimm’s aircraft came under heavy enemy automatic weapons fire. Ignoring the danger involved, he located the downed ship in the rugged terrain beneath him and directed fire against the suspected enemy positions to facilitate a landing. Heedless of the enemy presence in the area, Colonel Grimm organized a rescue party and led it to the craft. Repeatedly exposing himself to hostile rounds, he supervised the removal of weapons and tactically important equipment from the damaged ship. Acting with complete disregard for his personal safety, he then carried the wounded pilot to his own helicopter under a hail of enemy small arms fire. Through his timely and courageous actions, Colonel Grimm contributed greatly to the swift and safe evacuation of his fellow soldiers and served as an inspiration to his entire unit. His personal heroism, professional competence, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Americal Division, and the United States Army.