The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Daniel Michael Arizmendez (MCSN: 2202057), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Fire Team Leader with Company B, First Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 29 May 1968, Company B was conducting a search and destroy operation near DaNang when the Marines suddenly came under a heavy volume of small arms and automatic weapons fire from a large North Vietnamese Army force. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, Corporal Arizmendez skillfully maneuvered his men across the fire-swept terrain and aggressively led his fire team in an assault on the enemy emplacements, accounting for four hostile soldiers confirmed killed. As his platoon continued to advance, the lead elements suddenly came under intense automatic weapons fire from a well-concealed enemy position and were pinned down. Fearlessly moving next to the North Vietnamese emplacement, he boldly threw hand grenades into the hostile fortification and silenced the automatic weapons fire, enabling the Marines to continue their attack. Ignoring the enemy rounds impacting near him, he was throwing smoke grenades to screen his company’s movements when a Corpsman called for assistance in treating a wounded comrade. Reacting instantly, Corporal Arizmendez rapidly moved across the hazardous area and evacuated the casualty to a position of relative safety. While skillfully administering first aid to the injured Marine, Corporal Arizmendez was mortally wounded. His bold leadership and heroic actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in saving the life of a fellow Marine. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and selfless devotion to duty, Corporal Arizmendez upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.