The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Joseph A. Friel (MCSN: 2209039), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Fire Team Leader with the Third Platoon, Company C, First Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, during an operation against North Vietnamese forces in the vicinity of Gio Linh District, Quang Tri Province, Vietnam, on the morning of 21 September 1966. While moving forward o the left flank of the company, Private First Class Friel’s platoon was taken under heavy automatic weapons fire from several well-concealed, fortified positions. Unselfishly disregarding his own safety, he rushed forward to cover several men who had been seriously wounded in the initial exchange of fire. He then courageously exposed himself to the withering enemy fire to go to the assistance of three wounded Marines, and making three separate trips, carried them to the rear. As he moved forward to aid a fourth fallen comrade lying where the company’s lead elements were heavily engaged, Private First Class Friel was killed by a burst of automatic weapons fire before he could reach the injured man. By his outstanding valor in the face of hostile fire, perseverance and unswerving devotion to duty Private First Class Friel upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.