The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain George W. Sachtleben (MCSN: 0-84855), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Commanding Officer of Company H, Second Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the afternoon of 5 June 1969, during Operation Cameron Falls, two platoons of Company H were advancing on a trail along the Da Krong River eight miles southwest of the Vandegrift Combat Base when they initiated contact with a company-sized North Vietnamese Army force occupying well-camouflaged positions on a cliff overlooking the trail. Due to their location, the Marines were extremely vulnerable to the heavy volume of enemy rocket-propelled grenade, small arms and automatic weapons fire, but continued to fight from a narrow ledge with their backs against the river. Despite the serious wounds that he had sustained during the initial moments of the fire-fight, Captain Sachtleben skillfully deployed his forces to counter hostile attacks, directed the accurate delivery of supporting arms fire, and organized the movement of casualties to a relatively safe area. Throughout the fire fight, he completely disregarded his own safety as he boldly moved about the hazardous area shouting instructions and encouragement to his men. After establishing an initial perimeter, he directed a limited assault which secured a toe-hold on a portion of one cliff looming over his position. Throughout the night and the following morning, he directed both offensive and defensive actions which thwarted or repulsed repeated North Vietnamese attacks. Although aware that the enemy was reinforcing, and faced by the facts that his company was running dangerously low on ammunition, that all his officers and key noncommissioned officers were wounded, and that his men were nearing exhaustion. Captain Sachtleben fearlessly deployed his men, directed their fire and fought with such tenacity that the North Vietnamese Army force broke contact late in the afternoon of the following day and retreated. His dynamic leadership and valiant actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in his company accounting for fifty-four enemy soldiers killed as his men decisively defeated the North Vietnamese Army force. By his courage, bold initiative, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Captain Sachtleben upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.