The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant Ervin J. Emrick (MCSN: 1889464), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company K, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, during combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 11 May 1969, while Company K was conducting a search and destroy operation north of the An Hoa Combat Base, Staff Sergeant Emrick’s platoon came under a heavy volume of small arms and automatic weapons fire from a hostile force occupying a tree line to their direct front which caused the lead squad to be pinned down. Realizing the need for immediate action, Staff Sergeant Emrick fearlessly raced across the fire-swept area to the squad and skillfully commenced directing the beleaguered Marines to positions of relative safety. Observing two wounded men lying in positions dangerously exposed to the intense enemy fire, he boldly re-entered the hazardous area and pulled one of the injured Marines to a covered location. Again braving the vicious hostile fire impacting about him, he was attempting to evacuate the second casualty when he was mortally wounded by sniper fire. By his courage, selfless concern for his fellowmen and unwavering devotion to duty, Staff Sergeant Emrick inspired all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.