The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lance Corporal Howard William Wade, III (MCSN: 2082177), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Fire Team Leader with Company C, First Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam on 6 October 1966. While on patrol, a squad in the First Platoon of Lance Corporal Wade’s Company detonated an enemy mine, wounding the squad leader and killing another Marine. Immediately, the patrol was subjected to enemy fire from a village 100 meters across the river. When another squad moved in to reinforce the first unit, its squad leader stepped on another mine, killing himself and wounding four others. As the deadly Viet Cong fire continued, another Marine was shot and killed. Reacting swiftly and professionally, Lance Corporal Wade immediately took command of the two squads. Despite the fact that they had sustained eight casualties and were deep within the enemy’s mined area, he calmly rallied his men, deployed them and directed effective return fire, gaining sufficient fire superiority to enable others to administer aid to the wounded. Repeatedly during the firefight, he courageously exposed himself to the withering fire in order to direct fire on the enemy, administer first aid and assist and encourage his men. With complete disregard for his own safety, he guided reinforcements and medical evacuation parties through the dangerously mined area, skillfully avoiding detonating additional Viet Cong mines. He then provided covering fire while the casualties were evacuated to a helicopter zone to the rear. His bold initiative and determination throughout were a source of inspiration and motivation for all who observed him. By his extreme heroism, forceful leadership and unswerving devotion to duty throughout, Lance Corporal Wad was instrumental in saving two squads from possible annihilation and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.