The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Gunnery Sergeant Robert S. Ynacay (MCSN: 1189118), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as the Company Gunnery Sergeant of Company B, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 4 June 1968, during Operation MAMELUKE THRUST in Quang Nam Province, Company B was occupying a night defensive position when it was suddenly attacked by a North Vietnamese sapper unit. In the initial moments of the attack, the company’s defenses were breached, resulting in numerous friendly casualties. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, Gunnery Sergeant Ynacay moved through the hazardous area to the gap in the lines and, despite heavy automatic weapons fire and grenades thrown by enemy soldiers within the perimeter, defended a sector of the lines formerly held by a squad. Subsequently, when his rifle was shot from his hands, he quickly retrieved another weapon from a nearby casualty and continued to deliver accurate fire at the hostile force. During lulls in the fighting, he assisted the wounded to positions of relative safety and, on one occasion, killed a North Vietnamese soldier with his pistol as the enemy approached to within five feet of the casualties’ position. When the hostile force had been repulsed, he began positioning the men of the relief element to reestablish the company perimeter. His heroic actions and decisive leadership inspired all who observed him and undoubtedly saved the lives of many of his fellow Marines. By his courage, bold initiative and selfless devotion to duty, Gunnery Sergeant Ynacay upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.