The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lance Corporal Raymond Delene Sexton (MCSN: 2305797), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Squad Leader with Company D, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 15 February 1968, during Operation HUE CITY, Lance Corporal Sexton’s unit was assigned the mission of seizing heavily defended sections of the Hue City wall. Repeatedly exposing himself to the intense hostile fire, he skillfully deployed his men into positions where they brought a heavy volume of accurate fire to bear on the enemy emplacements. Then, aggressively maneuvering through the hostile fire, his squad seized its assigned objective. On 21 February, both his platoon commander and platoon sergeant were wounded during an assault. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, Lance Corporal Sexton unhesitatingly assumed command of the platoon. With complete disregard for his own safety, he maneuvered throughout the fire-swept area, shouting words of encouragement to his men, directing their fire and controlling the tactical movement of his squads. Despite the intense hostile fire around him, he quickly rallied his men and aggressively continued the attack. Largely due to his bold initiative and forceful leadership, his men successfully seized their objective. By his courage, unfaltering determination and steadfast devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Lance Corporal Sexton was an inspiration to all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.