The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Randall Theodore Planchon, II (MCSN: 2296855), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving a Squad Leader with Company M, Third Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 16 May 1968, while Company M was conducting a tactical movement from the Khe Sanh Combat Base to Hill 689 in Quang Tri Province, Corporal Planchon’s squad came under a heavy volume of mortar, small arms and automatic weapons fire from a large North Vietnamese Army force occupying fortified positions and sustained several casualties. Reacting instantly, Corporal Planchon fearlessly maneuvered to three of his wounded men and evacuated them across the fire-swept terrain to a position of relative safety. While informing his platoon commander of the seriousness of the situation, he directed suppressive machine gun and antitank rocket fire and skillfully adjusted mortar fire upon the enemy emplacements. Disregarding his own safety, he unhesitatingly moved casualties through the intense hostile fire to a covered position on the top of a steep hill. As he was returning to his squad, the explosion of an enemy hand grenade violently knocked him to the ground. Undaunted, he quickly recovered and, shouting words of encouragement to his men, directed their fire against the hostile force while assisting in evacuating the wounded to a casualty collection area. Subsequently assuming the duties of his mortally wounded platoon sergeant, Corporal Planchon ignored the enemy rounds impacting near him while maneuvering about the hazardous area, organizing the evacuation of injured Marines, strengthening his platoon’s defensive perimeter and adjusting mortar fire upon the North Vietnamese soldiers. His bold initiative and resolute determination inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in saving the lives of numerous Marines. By his courage, aggressive leadership, and steadfast devotion to duty, Corporal Planchon upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.