The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Harry Eric Matthews (Matthew) (MCSN: 2321080), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as a Rifleman with Company I, Third Battalion, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the morning of 16 February 1968, Private First Class Matthews’ platoon was engaged in a reconnaissance mission near the Demilitarized Zone when contact was made with an estimated 60 North Vietnamese Army soldiers. During the ensuing battle, one of the squad leaders was seriously wounded and fell in an open area between a bomb crater and the enemy. Undaunted by the heavy volume of hostile fire, Private First Class Matthews fearlessly moved across the fire-swept area to the side of the injured Marine. Ignoring the warning shouts of his companions to seek cover, Private First Class Matthews continued his heroic efforts to pull his injured companions to the safety of the bomb crater and was mortally wounded by the hostile fire. By his courage, unfaltering determination and selfless devotion to duty, Private First Class Matthews upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.