The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Librado Flores (MCSN: 1166569), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with as a Patrol Leader withy Detachment, Third Force Reconnaissance Company, Third Reconnaissance Battalion, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. In August 1966, Staff Sergeant Flores led a five-man reconnaissance patrol on a mission into enemy controlled territory in the vicinity of Cam Lo. Almost immediately after being inserted into the area, his team came under intense automatic weapons fire from a tree line approximately 200 meters from the landing zone. Quickly and skillfully, Staff Sergeant Flores deployed his men into effective firing positions and then, with complete disregard for his own safety, fearlessly exposed himself to hostile fire to direct supporting artillery fire against the enemy emplacement. His prompt and courageous actions resulted in eleven enemy confirmed killed while only one Marine was slightly wounded. When helicopters were unable to land because of a heavy volume of enemy fire, Staff Sergeant Flores led his men through the Viet Cong infested area to a secure helicopter landing zone and during this movement, personally killed six enemy with his weapon and grenades. Upon reaching the landing zone, Staff Sergeant Flores directed fixed wing air strikes on the hostile positions which enabled the helicopters to land safely and extract the reconnaissance team. His indomitable fighting spirit and steadfast determination were instrumental in uncovering the presence of a large enemy force in the area and accounted for thirty-one enemy confirmed killed. By his resolute courage, exceptional leadership and selfless devotion to duty in the face of extreme danger, Staff Sergeant Flores upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.