Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    7th Marines

    Division:

    3d Marine Division (Rein.), FMF

    Action Date:

    December 18, 1965

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant William Bryan Feille (MCSN: 0-88825), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Rifle Platoon Commander with Company F, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, THIRD Marine Division, during Operation HARVEST MOON in the Republic of Vietnam. On 18 December 1965, First Lieutenant Feille’s platoon was suddenly subjected to heavy insurgent communist (Viet Cong) fire. Repeatedly exposing himself to the enemy fire, he ably directed the deployment of his unit. With full knowledge of the dangers involved and with complete disregard for his personal safety, he led his platoon in an aggressive assault against a key enemy position. Continuing the attack, First Lieutenant Feille fearlessly led his men across open ground against a heavily fortified enemy position, and, while throwing a grenade into an aperture in a bunker, was painfully wounded. Refusing treatment for his wounds, he courageously continued to lead the assault until the entire enemy position was taken. As a result of his aggressive leadership, heroism and professional skill, First Lieutenant Feille’s platoon accounted for the major portion of the seventy-nine Viet Cong dead in the Company sector and for a large portion of captured enemy weapons and equipment. By his daring actions and loyal devotion to duty in the face of extreme personal risk, First Lieutenant Feille upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.