The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lance Corporal Paul Anthony McNally (MCSN: 2121897), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Fire Team Leader with Company D, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam, on 12 May 1967. During Operation UNION, while advancing with the platoon’s leading elements, Lance Corporal McNally observed twenty North Vietnamese soldiers to his direct front. After the fire teams immediately deployed and engaged the enemy with intense and accurate fire, it soon became evident that the enemy force was a small element of an estimated two reinforced battalions of North Vietnamese Regulars. As the full force of the enemy’s firepower was brought to bear against the Marines, Lance Corporal McNally, armed only with an automatic rifle, skillfully maneuvered to a flanking position. Unhesitatingly exposing himself to enemy fire, he delivered a deadly volume of fire into the North Vietnamese positions until he had expended all his ammunition. As a result of his accurate and intense fire, four of the enemy were killed, numerous casualties were inflicted and his unit was able to gain fire superiority. Maneuvering through heavy enemy small arms fire, Lance Corporal McNally returned to friendly lines where he replenished his ammunition supply from wounded comrades and commenced a second trip toward the enemy when he was wounded by mortar fragments. Due to the overwhelming number of enemy and numerous Marine casualties, it became necessary for his unit to withdraw to a covered position. Disregarding his injuries and refusing medical aid, Lance Corporal McNally steadfastly remained in position to provide rear security and courageously maintained an accurate, well-aimed volume of fire at the enemy. Only after receiving assurance that his unit was in a covered position did he withdraw to receive medical attention. By his courage, determined fighting spirit and selfless devotion to duty, Lance Corporal McNally upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.