The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Darrell G. Eriksen (MCSN: 2348367), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Sergeant with Company C, Third Reconnaissance Battalion, THIRD Marine Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. Early on the morning of 5 March 1969, Sergeant Eriksen’s twelve-man reconnaissance team was occupying a defensive position at Fire Support Base Argonne south of the Demilitarized Zone in Quang Tri Province when his Marines bore the brunt of an attack by a North Vietnamese Army battalion utilizing grenades, mortars, small arms, and automatic weapons. Detecting the initial elements of the hostile assault force, Sergeant Eriksen swiftly rallied his men, and shouting words of encouragement, he skillfully directed devastating fire that inflicted numerous casualties on the enemy. Completely disregarding his own safety, Sergeant Eriksen boldly exposed himself to the intense hostile fire as he fearlessly rushed across open terrain to reach a radio, and immediately initiating requests for supporting arms fire and a medical evacuation helicopter, he simultaneously continued to throw grenades and deliver rifle fire against the attacking force. Observing an enemy machine gun being emplaced within twenty-five meters of his position, he unhesitatingly directed a heavy volume of accurate fire that silenced the North Vietnamese weapon. When the medical evacuation aircraft arrived, he repeatedly braved the enemy fire to provide suppressive fire, enabling the helicopter to land and evacuate wounded Marines. Returning to his position, he boldly retrieved a friendly machine gun and grenade launcher which would otherwise have been captured by the North Vietnamese. His superb leadership and composure under fire inspired all who observed him and contributed immeasurable to the defeat of the face of great personal danger, Sergeant Eriksen upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.