The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Joseph Paul Lopez (MCSN: 2135326), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Squad Leader with Company E, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, Ninth Marine Amphibious Brigade, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 19 September 1968, Company E was conducting a search and destroy operation in Quang Nam Province when the Marines came under a heavy volume of fire from a large North Vietnamese Army force occupying fortified positions. Reacting instantly, Corporal Lopez maneuvered his squad into an assault position and directed the fire of his men against the hostile emplacements. Alertly observing a North Vietnamese soldier preparing to fire on his comrades, Corporal Lopez fearlessly ran across the fire-swept terrain and, although armed with only two hand grenades, assaulted the enemy’s position. After throwing a hand grenade which failed to kill or wound the hostile soldier, Corporal Lopez unhesitatingly leaped into the bunker as the North Vietnamese defender was about to fire upon him and killed the enemy soldier in a fierce hand-to-hand struggle. Continuing his determined efforts, he sighted several wounded Marines in an area exposed to the intense enemy fire. Ignoring the hostile rounds impacting near him, he boldly rushed across the hazardous area and assisted a wounded companion to a position of relative safety. While selflessly moving forward to the rescue of a second Marine, Corporal Lopez was mortally wounded. His bold initiative and sincere concern for the lives of his comrades inspired all who observed him and contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his company’s mission. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty, Corporal Lopez upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.