The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant Hugh John Sullivan, Jr. (MCSN: 1915920), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity during operations against the enemy while serving as a machine gun squad leader in Company C, First Battalion, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division, near the village of La Chau on the bank of the Song Yen River in Vietnam on 5 June 1965. When the rifle platoon to which he was attached was attacked by a Viet Cong force firing automatic weapons from well-concealed positions he quickly moved a machine gun into a position from which accurate fire could be brought to bear on the enemy in order that wounded men could be safely evacuated. He remained in this area approximately two hours, with complete disregard for his own safety, fearlessly exposing himself to enemy fire in order to improve the location of the gun. During one such movement of the gun in order to protect the landing of a helicopter ambulance, he was mortally wounded and died two hours later. His aggressiveness and coolness under fire undoubtedly saved other Marines from injury or death. Sergeant Sullivan’s bravery, determined fighting spirit and self-sacrificing efforts in behalf of his comrades were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the cause of freedom.