The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lance Corporal Edward E. Morgan (MCSN: 2409020), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Fire Team Leader with Company D, First Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 18 February 1969, while Lance Corporal Morgan’s squad was proceeding to a pre-planned ambush site in the A Shau Valley, the Marines came under a heavy volume of automatic weapons fire from a numerically superior North Vietnamese Army force and sustained several casualties. Unhesitatingly taking charge when the squad leader was mortally wounded, Lance Corporal Morgan quickly reorganized the unit and attempted to withdraw but was unable to do so because of the increased fire of the determined hostile force. After deploying his remaining men in effective fighting positions, he fearlessly maneuvered to a vantage point from which he commenced delivering accurate machine gun fire at the advancing soldiers. Observing that several wounded Marines were lying in positions dangerously exposed to the intense enemy fire, Lance Corporal Morgan completely disregarded his own safety and resolutely provided covering fire which enabled other Marines to move the injured men to covered positions. Seemingly to be utterly without fear of the numerous rounds impacting about him, he steadfastly remained in the hazardous area to protect a casualty whom his comrades were unable to retrieve and, when a reaction force arrived, was valiantly delivering devastating machine gun fire at North Vietnamese Army soldiers only fifty yards from his emplacement. His heroic and determined efforts inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in minimizing friendly casualties. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, Lance Corporal Morgan upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.