The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lance Corporal Daniel Kenneth Mulvihill (MCSN: 2102047), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Radioman with Company C, First Reconnaissance Battalion, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. Shortly after midnight on 16 June 1966, Lance Corporal Mulvihill’s eighteen man patrol was occupying an observation post deep within enemy controlled territory in the vicinity of Chi Tu, Quang Tin Province, when a Viet Cong force of estimated battalion size crept close to the Marines’ position and, on a pre-determined signal, launched a vicious attack with small arms, automatic weapons and mortar fire. Displaying extraordinary courage and presence of mind in the midst of the relentless fury, Lance Corporal Mulvihill calmly stood up and fired into suspected hostile positions, deliberately drawing the Viet Cong fire in his direction and pinpointing the enemy positions for close support aircraft which were orbiting in the area. Although he was painfully wounded in his valiant effort, he continued to assist his comrades in their stubborn defense of the hill throughout the night. He contributed in large measure to inflicting heavy losses among the attackers and helped to prevent the surviving members of his platoon from death or capture at the hands of the enemy. Lance Corporal Mulvihill’s exceptional courage in the face of almost certain death was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.