The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Raymond A. Hord (MCSN: 0-103281), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Commanding Officer of Company C, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 12 August 1969, Company C was assigned the mission of assaulting a fortified village occupied by a large enemy unit. As the Marines moved toward their objective, their advance was temporarily halted in a large, open rice paddy by fire from hostile soldiers entrenched in a tree line. With complete disregard for his own safety, First Lieutenant Hord fearlessly rushed across the fire-swept terrain and led an aggressive assault which enabled the Marines to gain a foothold in the tree line. Ably directing his men as they engaged the hostile soldiers in hand-to-hand combat, First Lieutenant Hord valiantly continued his bold efforts as the enemy force withdrew. Skillfully maneuvering his platoons and coordinating with adjacent companies, he pushed further into the hostile area while simultaneously directing Marine artillery supporting arms fire and tactical aircraft strikes upon the enemy positions. Observing a critically wounded Marine lying in a position dangerously exposed to hostile fire, he unhesitatingly moved to the side of the casualty and rendered aid until a Corpsman arrived. Rejoining his command group, he then continued directing the assault until after six hours of heavy fighting, Company C overran the hostile positions. His heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in inflicting heavy losses upon the enemy. By his courage, aggressive leadership, and unwavering devotion to duty at great personal risk, First Lieutenant Hord upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.