The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” (Posthumously) to Private First Class Dwight Thomas Denning, United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Grenadier with Company A, First Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 26 January 1968, Private First Class Denning’s squad was the point element of a platoon-size patrol northwest of Hill 861 near Khe Sanh in Quang Tri Province. Approaching a complex of three reinforced enemy bunkers, the patrol immediately came under heavy enemy small arms and automatic weapons fire. After an artillery mission had been called in on the enemy, Private First Class Denning’s squad delivered suppressive fire on the fortified positions while the remainder of the platoon commenced an assault. Repeatedly moving to positions exposed to hostile fire, he delivered continuous fire against the hostile bunkers with his M-79 Grenade Launcher, enabling the assaulting force to move closer to the enemy. Observing that increasingly intense enemy automatic weapons fire had temporarily halted the Marines’ advance, Private First Class Denning unhesitatingly and with complete disregard for his own safety maneuvered closer to the bunkers in order to deliver more accurate fire on the enemy. Ignoring the heavy enemy small arms fire, he boldly stood up and fired at the enemy positions and shouted words of encouragement to his comrades as they resumed their attack. Although he became the target of intense hostile automatic weapons fire, he courageously ran forward, firing his weapon into the bunker entrances until he was struck by enemy fire and fell mortally wounded. Inspired by his selfless devotion to duty at great personal risk, his companions aggressively continued their assault and quickly destroyed the enemy force. Private First Class Denning’s exemplary courage, bold initiative and inspiring devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country. (Combat Distinguished Device is authorized.)