The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Raymond J. McCardell (MCSN: 2148831), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Reconnaissance Scout with Company C, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 29 February 1968, Corporal McCardell’s patrol was establishing an observation post during Operation HUE CITY in Thua Thien Province when it came under intense mortar and small arms fire from a North Vietnamese Army force. Although seriously wounded in the head during the initial moments of the attack which damaged his glasses and impaired his vision, he unhesitatingly maneuvered across the fire-swept terrain, established a machine gun position and assisted the gunner in directing suppressive fire on the enemy. On three occasions when he became dangerously low of ammunition, he moved through intense sniper and mortar fire to obtain the vital supplies and return to his weapon. In large measure due to his bold initiative, the weapon remained in operation and enemy mortar fire in the area was silenced. When the enemy launched a fierce ground assault, Corporal McCardell carried the machine gun and assisted the gunner who had been wounded during the fire fight to the patrol’s perimeter defenses. Learning that the patrol leader had been mortally wounded, he immediately assumed command of the unit and organized the men around him. While encouraging and directing his men, he simultaneously assisted the Corpsman and courageously moved throughout the fire-swept area to distribute supplies. Aware that extraction helicopters were en route to their position, he directed his men to move the casualties and equipment to the landing zone where they continued to repulse the attackers until they were safely extracted. By his dauntless courage, superior leadership and unwavering devotion to duty, Corporal McCardell contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.