The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major Darrell Curtis Danielson (MCSN: 0-56511), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Executive Officer of the First Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 2 July 1967, during operations northeast of Con Thien, three companies and a platoon of the First Battalion suddenly came under intense small arms and mortar and rocket attack from North Vietnamese Army Regulars and sustained numerous casualties. From his command post at Con Thien, Major Danielson observed a large group of casualties approximately 4,000 meters away that had no communications with the main force and appeared to be disorganized. Immediately requesting and receiving permission to lead a relief force, he commandeered a truck, a jeep and an ambulance, obtained five volunteers and unhesitatingly moved over hazardous terrain in the face of enemy fire to reach the group of seventy wounded, including several who appeared to be in shock. Quickly assessing the situation, Major Danielson displayed exceptional leadership and presence of mind as he deployed the less seriously injured to provide security while he placed the more seriously wounded on the vehicles for movement to Con Thien. When two helicopters were able to land in the area, he quickly supervised the embarkation of the critically wounded for air evacuation. Undaunted by the heavy North Vietnamese artillery fire during four separate attacks, he steadfastly remained in the area exposed to exploding artillery rounds to coordinate and control the movement of all the casualties out of the hazardous zone. Due largely to his determined leadership and prompt and fearless actions, he was undoubtedly instrumental in saving many Marines from further injury or possible death. By his bold initiative, courage and selfless devotion to duty at great personal risk, Major Danielson upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.