The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lance Corporal Dennis Paul May (MCSN: 2149714), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Team Leader with the Second Platoon, Company M, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 10 January 1967, Lance Corporal May’s squad was inserted into enemy infested territory as part of a Sparrowhawk Unit with the mission of providing a blocking force against a Viet Cong unit which was being pursued by another company. As the squad cautiously moved past a large thicket, one of the men observed two Viet Cong laying in ambush, waiting for the main body to pass. Alerted, the squad instantly deployed and commenced an attack. Immediately, the enemy returned a heavy volume of small arms and automatic weapons fire along with numerous hand grenades. Reacting instantaneously to the command of his Squad Leader, Lance Corporal May, courageously led his Fire Team through an open rice paddy under heavy enemy fire and, delivering accurate fire into the enemy position, killed at least two enemy. In the face of great danger, and with complete disregard for his own safety, he continued to move across the exposed area to within ten feet of the enemy, throwing hand grenades until the enemy position was overrun, resulting in five enemy killed and five weapons captured. His daring actions under the most hazardous conditions inspired all who observed him and contributed immeasurably to the successful accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his extraordinary courage, outstanding professional skill, and selfless devotion to duty, Lance Corporal May upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.