The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lance Corporal Stanward Zeno, Jr. (MCSN: 2147012), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Rifleman with Company F, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in connection with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam on 17 August 1966. During a reconnaissance in force operation in the Cam Lo River Valley in Quang Tri Province, Lance Corporal Zeno’s platoon was the point element for the Battalion advance along Highway Nine. As the leading elements of the platoon approached a bridge that had been destroyed, they came under devastating small arms, automatic weapons and rifle fire from a Viet Cong force in concealed positions. The enemy emplacements had been positioned on either side of the bridge enabling a heavy volume of enfilade fire to be directed on the road, pinning down the point platoon and halting the movement of the entire unit. Immediately returning effective fire on the enemy positions, Lance Corporal Zeno successfully silenced the fire of one enemy bunker located near his position, enabling the members of his squad to maneuver to more advantageous firing positions. While exposed to the heavy volume of enemy fire, a round shattered his jaw and another round wounded him in the shoulder; however, refusing to be evacuated he continued to deliver effective fire on the enemy positions for more than an hour. Continuing to demonstrate the highest qualities of initiative and devotion to duty, Lance Corporal Zeno contributed to the death of thirty-four Viet Cong and the capture of numerous weapons and equipment. By his determined fighting spirit, exceptional courage in the face of extreme danger and aggressive actions, Lance Corporal Zeno inspired all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.