The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lance Corporal Gary A. Farlow (MCSN: 2263163), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Fire Team Leader in the Second Squad, First Platoon, Company D, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in Quang Nam Province, Republic of Vietnam, on 12 May 1967. Company D made contact with a numerically superior enemy force which succeeded in inflicting heavy casualties on the lead platoon. Lance Corporal Farlow’s fire team, serving as rear guard for the column, assisted in forming a counterattack which prevented the leading unit from being overrun. His initiative and professional skill contributed to the gaining of fire superiority and forced the enemy’s forward elements to withdraw. His accurate marksmanship silenced several enemy weapons. Subjecting himself to enemy fire, he remained in his forward position administering aid and assisting in the evacuation of casualties. That night under the cover of darkness, when helicopters came to evacuate the wounded, Company D was taken under attack by small arms and mortar fire. Lance Corporal Farlow, with complete disregard for his own safety, moved about freely under intensive enemy fire to direct his fire team’s fire on the enemy positions. While shouting encouragement to his men and returning to his position, he was fatally wounded by a mortar round. By his inspiring leadership, aggressive fighting spirit and courageous initiative, Lance Corporal Farlow contributed materially to the success of the company and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.