The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the

 

SILVER STAR MEDAL to

 

CORPORAL DANIEL R. SALLES

 

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

 

For service as set forth in the following

 

CITATION:

 

           "For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Squad Leader with Company K, Third Battalion, Third Marines, Third Marine Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the morning of 15 September 1969, Corporal Salles’s squad was engaged in a search and destroy operation in the vicinity of Mutter’s Ridge in Quang Tri Province when the point squad, as it moved up a trail, came under intense fire from a well-concealed North Vietnamese Army force utilizing directional mines, hand grenades, and machine guns.  The initial burst of fire cut the point squad off from the remainder of the platoon, wounded several Marines, including the platoon commander and the radio operator, and pinned down the squad on the top of a hill.  Rapidly assessing the situation, Corporal Salles assumed command of the platoon and completely disregarded his own safety as he unhesitatingly moved across the fire-swept terrain to reach the point element where he remained exposed as he delivered fire on enemy positions.  Although seriously wounded by hostile fire, Corporal Salles resolutely continued to deliver and direct the delivery of such highly effective suppressive fire that a reaction platoon was able to move to his precarious position, pass ammunition along the trail to the top of the hill, and extract the casualties.  Despite the excruciating pain of his wounds, he calmly directed and encouraged his men, provided covering fire, and refused to leave the hill until all the Marines had moved out of the hazardous area.  By his courage, superb leadership, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Corporal Salles inspired all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service."

 

FOR THE PRESIDENT

 

 

H. W. BUSE, JR

LIEUTENANT GENERAL, U. S. MARINE CORPS

COMMANDING GENERAL, FLEET MARINE FORCE, PACIFIC