The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Cleveland King, Jr. (MCSN: 2431840), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Radio Operator with Company C, First Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 1 March 1969, Company C was heavily engaged with a numerically superior hostile force near Khe Sanh and, as Corporal King’s platoon was advancing toward the Marine objective, his platoon commander and platoon sergeant were both wounded. Unhesitatingly assuming command of the platoon, Corporal King directed the men toward their hilltop objective which was urgently needed as a landing zone to extract Marine casualties. During the assault upon the enemy-held hill, Corporal King fearlessly exposed himself to hostile fire as he moved among his men, shouting words of encouragement. After the area was secured and the medical evacuation helicopters had been summoned to evacuate the casualties, Corporal King fearlessly rushed out onto the open landing zone and released a smoke grenade to mark the area. As he did so, an enemy mortar round impacted near him, knocking him to the ground, and wounding him in the hand. Undaunted, he recovered immediately and began directing the helicopter pilot by radio until the aircraft had safely landed. After the first helicopter departed with several injured Marines, Corporal King assisted with the preparation of the second load of evacuees, then again exposed himself to hostile fire as he directed the second helicopter into the zone, then aided with the embarkation of the casualties. His heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in saving the lives of several wounded Marines. By his courage, bold initiative and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Corporal King upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.