The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Jose A. Nevarez-Oliveras (MCSN: 2192274), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Sergeant with Company G, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 2 July 1969, while conducting a patrol near Fire Support Base SIERRA in support of Operation HERKIMER MOUNTAIN, Sergeant Nevarez-Oliveras’ platoon came under intense enemy fire and sustained several casualties. Quickly assessing the situation, Sergeant Nevarez-Oliveras deployed his platoon into defensive positions and directed the fire of his men against the enemy. With complete disregard for his own safety, he repeatedly moved across the fire-swept terrain to aid injured Marines and move them to covered positions. When assured that all the casualties had been recovered and were in a secured area, he skillfully maneuvered his platoon into advantageous positions and launched an aggressive attack against the numerically superior enemy. Shouting instructions and encouragement to his men and undaunted by the intense enemy fire, Sergeant Nevarez-Oliveras continued to lead the bold assault, and overran several enemy positions before he was critically wounded. His resolute determination and indomitable fighting spirit inspired all who observed him and contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his courage, superb leadership and selfless devotion to duty at great personal risk, Sergeant Nevarez-Oliveras upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.