The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Rodney H. Pupuhi (MCSN: 1486978), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Squad Leader with Company D, First Reconnaissance Battalion, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. During the early morning hours of 19 February 1968, while occupying positions on Hill 425 near DaNang, Sergeant Pupuhi’s thirteen-man patrol was attacked by an estimated fifty Viet Cong employing hand grenades, automatic weapons and anti-tank rocket launchers. During the initial moments of the engagement, the Marines’ only machine gun failed to fire. With complete disregard for his own safety, Sergeant Pupuhi unhesitatingly exposed himself to enemy fire while repeatedly maneuvering to more advantageous positions from which to direct fire at the enemy force. Suddenly, the Viet Cong penetrated the outer defenses of the Marines’ position. As the enemy soldiers attempted to overrun his position, Sergeant Pupuhi rushed forward and killed five of the attackers with accurate rifle fire. Detonating previously emplaced defensive mines, he prevented the Viet Cong from mounting a second assault. Although painfully wounded in the legs by fragments from an exploding enemy grenade, Sergeant Pupuhi continued to throw grenades and direct his unit’s fire at the enemy. His exceptional professionalism and determined efforts were an inspiration to all who observed him and resulted in seven enemy soldiers confirmed and twenty-five probable killed. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and steadfast devotion to duty in the face of extreme personal danger, Sergeant Pupuhi prevented his unit from being overrun and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.