The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Hershal D. Durand (MCSN: 2259228), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Machine Gun Squad Leader with Company H, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, Ninth Marine Amphibious Brigade, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the afternoon of 22 August 1968, during Operation ALLEN BROOIK in Quang Nam Province, Company H was approaching the village of Phu Dong when the lead element came under intense automatic weapons fire from a large North Vietnamese Army force occupying positions in a nearby tree line. Reacting instantly, Corporal Durand immediately deployed his machine gun teams and commenced directing a heavy volume of fire upon the hostile emplacements. When the lead rifle squad launched an assault upon the enemy occupied tree line, he skillfully advanced one of his teams and maneuvered it into an advantageous position to provide suppressive fire for the attacking Marines. Disregarding his own safety, he fearlessly exposed himself to the hostile fire as he continuously moved among his men, shouting words of encouragement to them and controlling intense machine gun fire that forced the North Vietnamese soldiers to retreat. Sustaining a painful injury, Corporal Durand steadfastly refused first aid and continued to maneuver about the hazardous area, providing covering fire while his comrades advanced to evacuate the wounded. Upon receiving medical treatment, he rejoined his unit and, while establishing a defensive position, alertly observed an enemy hand grenade fall near his men. Shouting a warning, he leaped forward and quickly pushed the nearest Marine out of the danger area. By his courage, bold initiative and steadfast devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Corporal Durand contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.