The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Hospital Corpsman First Class [the Hospital Corpsman Third Class] Kenneth D. Toline (NSN: B-629862), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a member of Echo Company, First Reconnaissance Battalion, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF. During the afternoon of 15 February 1970, Petty Officer Toline was on patrol in the vicinity of Charlie Ridge, Hill 65, An Hoi Valley, Republic of Vietnam, with a squad of Reconnaissance Marines when contact was made with a numerically superior element of North Vietnamese Army Regulars. During the ensuing fire fight, Petty Officer Toline moved to the aid of his platoon commander who had suffered a head wound. After rendering aid, he moved through open fire-swept terrain to reach a group of Marines who were also wounded. Despite being wounded himself, Petty Officer Toline continued to render aid to his Marine comrades while returning fire to the enemy, operating the secondary radio, and refusing aid for himself until all Marines were treated. A request for evacuation was made, but due to weather conditions it was impossible to accomplish. Throughout the night, Petty Officer Toline continued to provide care and treatment to his patients as well as assuring responsibility for a section of the perimeter for security. By his daring actions and steadfast devotion to duty in the face of great personal risk, Petty Officer Toline reflected the utmost credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.