The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Barry V. DeTrempe (MCSN: 2231831), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Headquarters and Service Company, First Amphibian Tractor Battalion, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 10 February 1969, Corporal DeTrempe was leading an ambush patrol near Dai Do in Quang Tri Province when he alertly observed a squad-size enemy unit approaching his position. As the hostile force came closer, he directed delivery of a heavy volume of accurate fire which took the enemy by surprise and inflicted heavy casualties. During the fierce fire fight which followed, he repeatedly exposed himself to enemy small arms fire as he maneuvered throughout the hostile area, directing and encouraging his men. Seriously wounded while moving across the fire-swept terrain, Corporal DeTrempe directed his radio operator to relay a request for a reaction force and continued to speak words of encouragement and supervise his men until he succumbed to his wounds. His fortitude and bold fighting spirit inspired all who observed him and contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his courage, superb leadership and selfless devotion to duty, Corporal DeTrempe upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.