The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Theodore A. Ott (MCSN: 2319808), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Patrol Leader with the First Force Reconnaissance Company, First Reconnaissance Battalion, FIRST Marine Division in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 18 June 1969, Sergeant Ott was leading a long-range reconnaissance patrol deep in enemy controlled territory when the Marines made contact with two enemy soldiers, killing one and wounding the other. Realizing that the team’s location had been compromised, Sergeant Ott quickly deployed his men to an area affording cover and concealment and observed three additional North Vietnamese approaching his position. The team engaged the three hostile soldiers and wounded one. Sergeant Ott, in hopes of capturing the wounded enemy soldier, fearlessly rushed to his location. Realizing that the man was too seriously injured to be moved far, he signaled for the corpsman to administer first aid. While the corpsman was treating the wounded man several more enemy began maneuvering toward the Marines. Completely disregarding his own safety, Sergeant Ott stood in full view of the North Vietnamese and killed two hostile soldiers while providing covering fire for the corpsman. Although seriously wounded in the brief encounter, Sergeant Ott, observing that a companion was also injured and lying in an open area, crawled twenty-five meters across fire-swept terrain and dragged the man to cover. Obtaining a radio, he then directed tactical air strikes on the hostile emplacements until evacuation helicopters arrived. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and steadfast devotion to duty at great personal risk, Sergeant Ott inspired all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.