The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Roger Owen Gunning (MCSN: 0-101115), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company E, Second Battalion, Third Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 13 December 1967, First Lieutenant Gunning was leading his platoon in a search and destroy mission near Tu Cau Village, south of DaNang. Suddenly, a member of the lead squad inadvertently triggered a chain of enemy mines, and the Marines simultaneously came under a heavy volume of enemy automatic weapons fire from a treeline only 100 meters away. Reacting instantly, First Lieutenant Gunning skillfully reorganized his platoon and directed their fire against the hostile positions as he requested an artillery fire mission. Observing a Marine lying wounded and unable to move from an area directly exposed to the enemy fire, he unhesitatingly advanced into the fire-swept area, seized the wounded man and carried him to the relative safety of the platoon’s perimeter. After skillfully adjusting the supporting artillery fire, First Lieutenant Gunning fearlessly led his men forward in a determined assault and overran the hostile positions. His heroic actions and aggressive fighting spirit inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in saving the life of a fellow Marine. By his courage, bold leadership and unwavering devotion to duty at great personal risk, First Lieutenant Gunning upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.