The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Benjamin Forest Bolding (MCSN: 2257470), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Machine Gun Section Leader with Company M, Third Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, Ninth Marine Amphibious Brigade, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 15 February 1969, Company M was participating in Operation TAYLOR COMMON near An Hoa when the First Platoon came under a heavy volume of small arms and automatic weapons fire from a large and well-concealed North Vietnamese Army force occupying positions in a hedgerow. Alertly observing that the point squad was temporarily pinned down, Corporal Bolding maneuvered his section to a forward position. Fearlessly moving throughout the fire-swept terrain, he shouted instructions and encouragement to his men and, skillfully deploying his machine gun teams, directed their suppressive fire on the enemy. Utilizing this outstanding covering fire, the lead squad was able to withdraw to a more tactically advantageous position. As he continued to direct devastatingly accurate fire at the enemy position, Corporal Bolding was mortally wounded by enemy small arms fire. His bold initiative and sincere concern for the welfare of his comrades inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in saving the lives of several Marines. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and selfless devotion to duty in the face of extreme personal danger, Corporal Bolding contributed significantly to the defeat of the North Vietnamese Army force and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.