For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam: Captain Springer distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 12 November 1967 while serving as commander of an infantry company conducting a search and destroy operation deep in enemy controlled territory. As the company moved through a clearing late in the afternoon, it suddenly received savage automatic weapons fire from a Viet Cong force occupying well fortified positions in a nearby tree line. Fire from a well-emplaced machine gun pinned the unit down. With complete disregard for his own safety, Captain Springer charged across the bullet- swept terrain toward the enemy bunker complex. Throwing grenades into the Viet Cong machine gun position, he single-handedly destroyed it, killing two insurgents and capturing the machine gun and a rifle. Throughout the ensuing battle, he courageously directed his company’s retaliatory fire, while continually exposed to a hail of hostile bullets. When the enemy had been routed, Captain Springer reorganized his men and directed them toward another objective. The company had moved only two hundred meters when intense automatic weapons and machine gun fire erupted from both flanks, again pinning the unit down. With bullets striking all around him, Captain Springer rushed to his forward element, regrouped the men, and directed their defensive fires. He was mortally wounded during this savage fight to repel the enemy. His unhesitating actions and personal bravery, in close combat, inspired his troops to succeed in overcoming and destroying the numerically superior insurgent force. Captain Springer’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.