The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal [then Private First Class] Phillip G. Parlett (MCSN: 2385188), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Radio Operator with Company M, Third Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. During the early morning hours on 14 March 1969, while occupying a night defensive position in a northern enemy infested sector of the I Corps Tactical Zone, Company M came under an intense enemy attack and sustained several casualties. With complete disregard for his own safety, Corporal Parlett moved across the fire-swept terrain to a hilltop landing zone to coordinate and direct medical evacuation operations. As a medical evacuation helicopter was waiting in the zone, it was struck by a rocket-propelled grenade and exploded into flames, resulting in a number of additional casualties. Thrown to the ground by the blast and momentarily stunned, Corporal Parlett quickly regained his feet, reactivated his radio, and continued his valiant efforts to coordinate evacuation operations and assist the wounded Marines. Although the enemy rocket fire increased in intensity as the day wore on, he continued to advise and direct the evacuation helicopters and resolutely refused to move from the fire-swept zone until assured that every casualty had been extracted. By his extraordinary courage, bold initiative, and unwavering devotion to duty at great personal risk, Corporal Parlett inspired all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.