The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Danny R. Gray (MCSN: 2382785), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Machine Gunner with Company M, Third Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 10 February 1969, Private First Class Gray’s platoon while conducting a search and destroy operation near the DaKrong River, was moving toward the summit of a steep hill when the Marines came under intense hostile grenade, mortar and automatic weapons fire. Unable to advance through the heavy volume of fire, the point element withdrew to consolidate with the remainder of the unit. Private First class Gray, who was moving with the point squad as Machine Gunner, delivered accurate and effective suppressive fire upon the enemy as his companions regrouped; steadfastly continuing his aggressive efforts while the hostile soldiers concentrated their fire upon his position. After dark, as the medical evacuation helicopters arrived and came under intense enemy fire, Private First Class Gray unhesitatingly revealed his position to the hostile force by delivering a heavy volume of machine gun fire upon the enemy, thereby enabling the helicopters to land. Early the next morning, when the platoon again came under an intense hostile ground attack, Private First class Gray fearlessly maintained his dangerous position on the perimeter, returning fire upon the enemy even after he had been wounded by grenade fragments. At one point in the fire fight, three hostile soldiers simultaneously assaulted his position, and he killed them with machine gun fire as they approached to within a few meters from the perimeter, thereby preventing the enemy from penetrating the enemy from penetrating his sector. His heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him and contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Private First Class Gray upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.