The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lance Corporal Patrick Charles O’Leary, Jr. (MCSN: 2348223), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Marine Attack Squadron TWO HUNDRED ELEVEN (VMA-211), Marine Aircraft Group Twelve, FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. During the early morning hours of 21 March 1969, the Chu Lai Air Base came under a heavy volume of hostile rocket fire. One round struck an aircraft fully armed with rockets and 500 pound bombs, causing it to burst into flames which rapidly ignited nearby aircraft and an adjacent bomb storage area. Reacting instantly, Lance Corporal O’Leary fearlessly raced into the disaster area and commenced fighting the fires. Disregarding his own safety, he continually exposed himself to fragments from exploding ordnance, the searing heat, and the imminent danger of surrounding A-4 Skyhawks becoming engulfed in flames as he valiantly assisted in removing the aircraft to safety. Obtaining a tow tractor, he boldly drove the vehicle into a burning revetment, but as he commenced towing an A-4 Skyhawk from the hazardous site, a bomb detonated nearby and destroyed the tractor, hurling Lance Corporal O’Leary violently to the ground. Momentarily stunned, he quickly recovered and resolutely assisted his comrades until all undamaged Skyhawks were moved to protected locations. His heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in preventing the destruction of twenty-two aircraft. By his courage, bold initiative and unwavering devotion to duty, Lance Corporal O’Leary greatly minimized the effectiveness of the enemy attack and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.