The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Daniel G. Jessup (MCSN: 2134362), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Sergeant with Company I, Third Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 20 January 1968, during operations in the vicinity of Hill 881 near Khe Sanh, Sergeant Jessup’s unit was deployed to assist another platoon under heavy enemy fire. Advancing up a hill toward the beleaguered unit, the Marines came under intense fire and the platoon commander was killed. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, Sergeant Jessup unhesitatingly assumed command and skillfully deployed his men into positions to defend the hill. After repulsing a determined enemy attempt to overrun the Marine unit, he completely disregarded his own safety as he moved from one position to another to encourage and direct his men, and advanced beyond friendly lines on four occasions to locate casualties and move them to safety. After the wounded had been evacuated, he moved along the perimeter, destroying equipment which could not be carried from the hill in order to prevent its confiscation by the enemy. As his unit withdrew to a more advantageous position, he steadfastly remained behind to provide rear security, leaving the hazardous area only after all of his men had reached secure positions. By his courage, inspiring leadership, and selfless devotion to duty at great personal risk, Sergeant Jessup upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.