The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Benjamin Palacios, Jr. (MCSN: 1988589), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Sergeant with Company F, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On the night of 22 May 1968, while the platoon commander and squad leaders reconnoitered a possible ambush site, Staff Sergeant Palacios remained in command of the platoon which was concealed on both sides of a trail in Thua Thien Province. Suddenly, a squad of enemy soldiers began crossing the trail in close proximity to his position. Realizing that his men could not fire because of the danger of hitting other Marines, Staff Sergeant Palacios boldly leaped from his covered position and commenced directing a heavy volume of fire at the hostile force. Although almost immediately wounded in the leg, he fearlessly continued firing his rifle, killing three enemy soldiers and forcing the remainder to flee. Upon hearing noises nearby, Staff Sergeant Palacios directed the delivery of grenade launcher fire into the dense foliage. Despite sustaining a second injury from hostile grenade fragments, he steadfastly maintained his position and hurled hand grenades until the enemy had fled. Only when he had directed the evacuation of casualties and reorganized his men did he consent to medical treatment. His resolute determination and aggressive spirit inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his courage, bold leadership and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, Staff Sergeant Palacios upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.