The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Gunnery Sergeant Walter E. Lofink (MCSN: 563664), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Company Gunnery Sergeant of Company F, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 16 March 1967, during a search and destroy mission in Quang Ngai Province in conjunction with Operation DESOTO, the Second Platoon came under intense automatic weapons and .50 caliber machine gun fire. In the initial burst of fire, the platoon sustained six casualties, including the platoon commander, and was temporarily pinned down in an open rice paddy. Quickly assessing the situation, Gunnery Sergeant Lofink unhesitatingly left his position and ran through the heavy Viet Cong fire to an area from which he could more effectively control his men’s fire. When a Marine hear his position was mortally wounded, Gunnery Sergeant Lofink ably assisted a Corpsman in rendering first aid and when the man succumbed to his wounds, moved him to a covered position. He then quickly and efficiently organized the movement of the increasing number of casualties to the evacuation zone. Moments later, when another Marine was seriously wounded, Gunnery Sergeant Lofink provided accurate covering fire during the evacuation of the injured man and subsequently assisted in moving the casualty to safety. Throughout the four hour attack, he repeatedly exposed himself to hostile fire, encouraging his men and directing their fire. As darkness fell, Gunnery Sergeant Lofink and another Marine successfully retrieved the casualties’ combat equipment from the hazardous area, and thus prevented its confiscation and subsequent use by the enemy. When contact with the enemy was finally broken, Gunnery Sergeant Lofink, demonstrating outstanding resourcefulness and tactical skill, supervised the establishment of the defensive perimeter and provided invaluable assistance throughout the night. His aggressiveness and professionalism were an inspiration to all who observed him and contributed immeasurably to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his courage, inspiring leadership and selfless devotion to duty at great personal risk, Gunnery Sergeant Lofink upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.