The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Vernon Leroy Downs, Jr. (MCSN: 2306783), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Headquarters and Service Company, Third Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the night of 14 February 1968, Corporal Downs volunteered to serve as the Radio Operator for a relief commander assigned to assist a beleaguered Marine unit which had sustained heavy casualties in a beleaguered Marine unit which had sustained heavy casualties in an intense fire fight with the enemy west of Ca Lu. Lowered by sling from a helicopter into the consolidated friendly position while it was under heavy enemy mortar attack, he immediately commenced calling in effective mortar and artillery fires. Although lacking previous experience as a radio operator, he accurately directed supporting arms fire throughout the night. The following morning, the Marines prepared to assault the entrenched enemy who occupied the crest of a steep, thickly forested hill. Positioning himself in the center of the assault force, Corporal Downs repeatedly exposed himself to the intense hostile fire as the unit launched its assault up the steep slope. Although his commander was wounded in the initial moments of the attack, Corporal Downs moved fearlessly among the men, shouting words of encouragement to maintain the momentum of the attack. In large measure due to his inspiring leadership, the Marines seized the objective and inflicted thirteen enemy confirmed killed. As the unit consolidated its position, he personally rendered medical aid to fifteen of the twenty casualties, redistributed ammunition and assisted in clearing a medical evacuation landing zone. By his courage, inspiring leadership and selfless devotion to duty, Corporal Downs was instrumental in the accomplishment of his unit’s mission and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.