The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant Ray A. Hayes (MCSN: 1942851), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Sergeant with Company A, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 17 September 1968, while moving to its objective area in Quang Nam Province, Company A came under intense small arms, automatic weapons and antitank rocket fire from a large North Vietnamese Army force occupying fortified positions. When supporting artillery fires and air strikes failed to route the determined enemy, Sergeant Hayes bravely volunteered to lead a squad on a reconnaissance of the hostile area to assess the situation and search for a wounded Marine who had been separated from the company in the initial moments of the fire fight. After penetrating the enemy lines and realizing that he could maneuver more effectively alone, he deployed his men in a tree line and proceeded further into the hostile position. Disregarding his own safety, he fearlessly moved about the hazardous area until he had pinpointed the enemy emplacements and located his injured comrade. Having reported his tactical observations to his commanding officer, he resolutely returned to help his injured comrade, and while crossing the dangerous terrain, Sergeant Hayes came under a heavy volume of enemy machine gun fire and was mortally wounded. His bold initiative and heroic actions inspired all who observed him and contributed immeasurably to his unit subsequently routing the hostile force. By his courage, bold initiative and selfless devotion to duty, Sergeant Hayes upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.