The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Leonard William Maxson (MCSN: 2294681), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Radio Operator with the First Shore Party Battalion, FIRST Marine Division, in connection with military operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. From 13 to 26 March 1968, Private First Class Maxson, a member of a Helicopter Support Team, distinguished himself in the performance of his duties while supporting the Seventh Marines during Operation WORTH in the Happy Valley area southwest of DaNang. Operating in heavy jungle and mountainous terrain, the team was hampered in effecting re-supply and casualty evacuation since all available landing zones were small, roughly cleared areas on precipitous terrain. On several occasions in an effort to better control approaching aircraft, Private First Class Maxson left the relative safety of a covered position and, without regard for his own safety, stood in the open in the center of the landing zone to direct a helicopter with arm and hand signals. On 17 March, a Marine battalion encountered a numerically superior North Vietnamese Army force entrenched in fortified positions on a ridge line. Two rifle companies were moved into the assault and intense fighting continued throughout the afternoon. Faced with the necessity of evacuating casualties before darkness, the team had only one landing zone available, a small clearing that was exposed to enemy observation and fire. As the first helicopter approached the landing zone, the enemy subjected the area to heavy automatic weapons and mortar fire. Reacting instantly, Private First Class Maxson unhesitatingly moved into the open area and skillfully directed the pilot to a hovering position over the edge of the ridge with the cargo ramp of the aircraft on the ground. Courageously ignoring the intense hostile fire, he proceeded to expedite the embarking of casualties. As successive helicopters were loaded, he calmly remained in the fire-swept zone and efficiently assisted in embarking the casualties. Even when the last helicopter was being loaded and the enemy brought the landing zone under a rocket attack and intense automatic weapons fire from a different direction, Private First Class Maxson steadfastly remained by the helicopter until the last casualty was aboard and the aircraft had departed. By his courage, inspiring leadership and unswerving devotion to duty, Private First Class Maxson was instrumental in saving the lives of numerous Marines and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.