The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Larry Dean Hicks (MCSN: 2184537), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as an Automatic Rifleman with Company D, First Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam on 22 February 1967. During Operation DECKHOUSE VI in Quang Ngai Province, Private First Class Hicks’ squad was maneuvering around a village to establish a blocking force for the remainder of the platoon when it came under intense enemy rifle and automatic weapons fire. The point man was wounded in both arms and Private First Class Hicks lost the vision in his left eye when a round passed through the left lens of his glasses, spraying glass particles in and around his eye. Although partially blind, Private First Class Hicks steadfastly remained in his position, exposed to intense enemy fire, to deliver effective fire on the enemy until the remainder of his squad could move to a more advantageous position. With dauntless courage, he moved forward to provide covering fire for a Corpsman who was treating the wounded point man. Continuing to display complete disregard for his own safety, Private First Class Hicks selflessly exposed himself to heavy enemy fire to carry his disabled comrade across 150 meters of exposed beach to a secure position near a landing zone. He refused medical aid in order to return to the fire fight and remain with his unit until the vicious assault had been repulsed. His heroic and selfless actions despite his own painful wound and in the face of enemy fire were instrumental in the rapid treatment of his fellow Marine and enabling his squad to silence the enemy fire. By his bold initiative, exceptional bravery and selfless devotion to duty at great personal risk, Private First Class Hicks upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.