The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Daniel Duane McMurray (MCSN: 0-102572), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company B, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the afternoon of 10 August 1968, while participating in a battalion size search and destroy operation, Company B was assigned to secure Hill 310 in Quang Nam Province. As the lead element advanced toward the objective, the Marines suddenly came under intense rocket and automatic weapons fire from a large, well entrenched North Vietnamese Army force. During the ensuing fire fight, the company became pinned down and sustained numerous casualties. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, Second Lieutenant McMurray rapidly deployed his men and, with complete disregard for his own safety, fearlessly led a determined assault across the fire-swept terrain. Seriously wounded and knocked to the ground, he ignored his painful injury and, quickly regaining his feet, shouted words of encouragement to his Marines while directing their fire. Boldly advancing by fire and maneuver, he led his men to several fortified enemy positions and, firing directly into the emplacements, killed numerous North Vietnamese soldiers. Ordered to break contact to allow supporting arms to be employed against the hostile force, Second Lieutenant McMurray skillfully directed an orderly withdrawal, supervising the evacuation of casualties while personally moving two wounded Marines to positions of relative safety. His heroic actions and resolute determination inspired all who served with him and were instrumental in the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and steadfast devotion to duty in the face of extreme personal danger, Second Lieutenant McMurray upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.