The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Sheldon James Bathurst (MCSN: 1820763), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company E, Second Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 18 July 1966, while serving as a Platoon Commander, Sergeant Bathurst was leading his platoon along a dangerous jungle trail in the vicinity of Cam Lo District when an enemy unit was observed moving toward them on the same trail. Immediately, Sergeant Bathurst deployed his platoon to counter enemy fire from the front and left flank. Realizing t hat the enemy’s tactical position would make an immediate assault suicidal, Sergeant Bathurst established a base of fire, called for fire support and evacuated casualties while moving continuously among his men to assure positive control of the unit and encourage his men. After skillfully deploying his men, he led an aggressive assault against the enemy positions. Moving with daring courage through the thick jungle growth and heavy small arms fire, Sergeant Bathurst maintained fire control of his platoon. In his boldly directed assault, the Viet Cong suffered heavy casualties and were forced to flee from the area. By his daring initiative, expert tactical decisions and courageous leadership throughout the firefight, Sergeant Bathurst upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.