The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class George Langevin (MCSN: 2290384), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Scout with Company C, First Reconnaissance Battalion, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 14 October 1967, Private First Class Langevin was serving as rear security for a twelve-man long range reconnaissance patrol deep in enemy controlled territory when his unit came under surprise enemy automatic weapons fire from a numerically superior North Vietnamese Army force. In the initial burst of fire, four casualties were sustained, including the two radio operators and one of the vital radios was destroyed. Reacting instantly, he moved through the enemy fire to a position from which he as able to protect the rear and flanks of the patrol. Realizing that without communications the patrol could not receive support, Private First Class Langevin courageously threw himself on the wounded Marine and his radio, using his own body as a shield against the hostile fire and while the chanting, screaming North Vietnamese mounted a frenzied attack, he remained in this position covering his comrade with his body and firing his weapon at the attacking force. When the enemy was temporarily repulsed and air strikes were called in, Private First Class Langevin continued to shield the wounded radio operator with his body as the air support pounded the North Vietnamese within twenty-five meters of the patrol’s position. Suddenly, from all sides the enemy fire on the patrol increased in intensity. Disregarding his own safety, he fearlessly exposed himself to the heavy volume of hostile fire as he maneuvered through the fire-swept area to obtain an M-79 grenade launcher. Due to the extremely thick undergrowth, he employed the launcher as an indirect fire weapon, causing the rounds to explode on top of the attacking enemy, fifteen meters from his position. Throughout the following eight hours, he repeatedly exposed himself to the hostile fire as he moved about the area, giving medical aid to the wounded and shouting words of encouragement to his men. When a relief force arrived and helicopters were able to hover over the patrol’s position, Private First Class Langevin volunteered to be lifted on a hoist with one of the wounded Marines, again using his body as a shield against the constant enemy sniper fire. Although authorized by the patrol leader to remain withy the helicopter and return to safety, he chose instead to descend back into the patrol’s position and remain with his unit. His heroic efforts and sincere concern for the welfare of his comrades were an inspiration to all who observed him and contributed immeasurably to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his steadfast courage, bold initiative and unfaltering devotion to duty in the face of extreme personal danger, Private First Class Langevin upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.