The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Joseph T. Getherall (MCSN: 2092339), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as a Squad Leader with Company M, Third Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, THIRD Marine Division in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on 22 December 1966. during the early morning hours, Company M was occupying a night defensive position in the area of the Co Bi-Than Tan Corridor, Thua Thien Province. When the Viet Cong 82d Battalion suddenly attacked, Sergeant Getherall unhesitatingly exposed himself to intense small arms, automatic weapons, and mortar fire as he repeatedly moved across open terrain to control his unit. Although seriously wounded by an exploding mortar round, he steadfastly refused medical evacuation. As the battle raged throughout the night, with most of the enemy ground assaults concentrated in front of his Squad’s position, which spread across 50 meters of open terrain, Sergeant Getherall continually exposed himself to enemy fire, disregarding his own safety in order to pinpoint enemy targets, direct fire, resupply his men with ammunition, and ensure the integrity of the perimeter defense. He personally killed several enemy attackers with his rifle fire, including an enemy soldier who had just thrown a grenade. While warning his men, Sergeant Getherall was able to get to the grenade, pick it up, and throw it back towards the enemy before it exploded. When a Marine went down in the open, Sergeant Getherall realized the gravity of the situation and fearlessly moved across the hazardous open terrain under intense enemy fire and dragged the Marine to safety. Inspired by his selfless courage and aggressive fighting spirit,, his squad repulsed a number of savage attacks while inflicting heavy casualties on a determined and numerically superior enemy force. By his outstanding leadership, resolute determination, and loyal devotion to duty, Sergeant Getherall reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.