The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Wilton E. Melson (AKA: Ken B. Williams), Jr. (MCSN: 2378995), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as an Assistant Patrol Leader with Company D, 3d Reconnaissance Battalion, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. During the night of 16 May 1969, Corporal Melson was a member of a five-man reconnaissance team from Company D, operating in Quang Tri Province, which made contact with a North Vietnamese Army platoon employing automatic weapons and rocket propelled grenades. Assuming command of the team when the Patrol Leader was wounded, Corporal Melson radioed the situation to higher authorities while simultaneously firing his rifle at the enemy. When a hostile hand grenade was thrown at his team’s position, he shouted to his men to take cover and, with complete disregard for his own safety, shielded his Patrol Leader with his own body and sustained painful fragmentation wounds in the arm. Alertly observing two other wounded Marines lying expose to the enemy fire, Corporal Melson fearlessly crawled across the fire-swept terrain to their position and, after pulling the casualties to safety, gave them emergency first aid. Moving to the point of heaviest contact, he then continued to direct the efforts of his men until a relief force arrived. Although seriously wounded a second time, Corporal Melson refused medical attention and, resolutely maintaining his position, ensured that the more seriously wounded Marines were treated. His bold initiative and sincere concern for the welfare of his comrades