The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Louis A. Dombrova (MCSN: 0-101867), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company E, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, Ninth Marine Amphibious Brigade, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. During the early morning hours of 2 August 1968, while occupying a defensive position on Hill 950 in Quang Tri Province, the Third Platoon of Company E came under intense mortar, anti-tank and automatic weapons fire supporting a ground assault by a large North Vietnamese Army force. During the ensuing fire fight, the enemy soldiers penetrated the defensive perimeter and wounded numerous Marines. Rapidly assessing the situation, First Lieutenant Dombrova unhesitatingly exposed himself to hostile fire as he skillfully deployed his men into advantageous positions and directed a heavy volume of fire upon the enemy force, disrupting and halting their advance. Fearlessly maneuvering about the hazardous area, he boldly moved from one position to another, controlling the efforts of his Marines and organizing a counterattack while ably directing mortar fire upon the hostile force. Aggressively forcing the North Vietnamese soldiers from his perimeter, he skillfully directed intense fire that inflicted numerous casualties upon the enemy as they fled in panic and confusion. Continuing his determined efforts, he quickly established his defensive position and supervised the evacuation of his injured Marines. His heroic actions and aggressive leadership inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in the defeat of a large North Vietnamese Army force and the capture of numerous enemy weapons. By his courage, bold initiative and steadfast devotion to duty in the face of extreme personal danger, First Lieutenant Dombrova upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.