The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lance Corporal Larry D. Hoch (MCSN: 2438147), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Squad Leader with Company G, Second Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 3 May 1969, Lance Corporal Hoch’s squad was participating in a combat patrol when it was heavily engaged by a North Vietnamese Army unit. Seizing the initiative, he unhesitatingly initiated an aggressive assault upon the hostile force, killing two of the enemy soldiers and forcing the remainder into a disorganized retreat. Although seriously wounded in the leg during the engagement, Lance Corporal Hoch steadfastly refused to be medically evacuated and remaining with his companions, skillfully led them back to the platoon’s patrol base. On 5 May 1967, Lance Corporal Hoch’s platoon was preparing a night defensive position when the Marines came under a ground attack by a North Vietnamese Army platoon which directed the main thrust of its assault at Lance Corporal Hoch’s sector of the defensive perimeter. Completely disregarding his own safety, he boldly moved from one Marine position to another, controlling and directing his squad’s fire and shouting words of encouragement to his men. Under his dynamic leadership the Marines effectively repelled the hostile attack and killed several enemy soldiers without sustaining friendly casualties. As the North Vietnamese Army unit withdrew, they directed intense mortar fire upon his Marines’ position to cover their retreat. During the mortar attack, Lance Corporal Hoch was seriously wounded, but, when he observed his assistant squad leader in a position exposed to the enemy mortar fire, he knocked the Marine to the ground and threw himself across his companion to shield him from the mortar fragments. While engaged in this selfless task, Lance Corporal Hoch was mortally wounded by the explosion of a mortar round which impacted near the two men. His heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him and saved the life of a fellow Marine. By his courage, selfless concern for his fellowman and unwavering devotion to duty, Lance Corporal Hoch upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.