The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Harvey E. Frank (MCSN: 2220889), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a 60-mm. Mortar Squad Leader with Company E, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, Ninth Marine Amphibious Brigade, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. During the early morning hours of 2 August 1968, while occupying a defensive position on Hill 950 in Quang Tri Province, the Third Platoon of Company E came under intense mortar, anti-tank and automatic weapons fire supporting a ground assault by a large North Vietnamese Army force. During the ensuing fire fight, the enemy soldiers penetrated the defensive perimeter and wounded numerous Marines. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, Sergeant Frank immediately commenced directing a heavy volume of mortar fire upon the advancing enemy soldiers. When the hostile force assaulted to within twenty meters of his emplacements and attempted to silence his mortar with hand grenades, he fearlessly exposed himself as he delivered intense fire upon the enemy, repulsing their attack. Nearly depleting his supply of mortar ammunition, he was ordered to cease fire and, upon learning that the platoon sergeant had been mortally wounded, unhesitatingly maneuvered across the fire-swept area and assisted in organizing a counterattack that disrupted and halted the advancing hostile force. Alertly observing three North Vietnamese soldiers attempting to flank his position, he boldly stood up and delivered a heavy volume of fire, killing the enemy soldiers. Continuing his determined efforts, he directed and controlled the fire of his Marines as they aggressively forced the hostile soldiers from the perimeter, inflicting numerous casualties upon them as they fled in panic and confusion. His heroic actions and aggressive leadership inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in the defeat of a large North Vietnamese Army force and the capture of numerous hostile weapons. By his courage, bold initiative and steadfast devotion to duty in the face of extreme personal danger, Sergeant Frank upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.