The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Willard Fiske Lochridge, IV (MCSN: 0-92140), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company B, 3d Tank Battalion, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam on 5 September 1966. Commanding a platoon of tanks in support of Company K, Third Battalion, Ninth Marine Regiment, Second Lieutenant Lochridge’s unit encountered two companies of well entrenched Viet Cong Regulars. Under intensive small arms, heavy automatic and anti-tank fire, the Company’s lead platoon sustained several casualties. Second Lieutenant Lochridge immediately maneuvered his tanks to aid in transporting the wounded to a landing zone for evacuation, then delivered protective fire for the helicopters to land. While leading the advance units of the Company on a second assault of the enemy’s fortifications, the force again came under intense enemy fire. His tank was struck by .57-mm recoilless fire which wounded and temporarily blinded him. With immediate reaction and despite his wound, Second Lieutenant Lochridge continued his attack against the anti-tank weapon and promptly neutralized it with fire from his armored vehicle. Through the highly accurate firepower of the tanks, the Company was successful in penetrating the enemy’s positions, receiving credit for twenty-three confirmed enemy dead found in the trenchline. By his exemplary leadership, calm reaction under fire, unrelenting devotion to duty, and his aggressive fighting spirit, Second Lieutenant Lochridge upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.