The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Danny M. Slocum (MCSN: 2295647), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as an Assistant Patrol Leader with Third Force Reconnaissance Company, Third Reconnaissance Battalion, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 16 February 1968, Corporal Slocum was a member of a reconnaissance patrol moving toward an ambush site southwest of Con Thien when the Marines observed seven North Vietnamese Army soldiers maneuvering toward them. Reacting instantly, Corporal Slocum rapidly deployed his men into advantageous positions and directed their fire upon the enemy force. After the firing had ceased, he advanced toward the hostile position and was wounded in the leg by enemy small arms fire. Ignoring his painful injury, he directed accurate rifle fire on the hostile position and suppressed the enemy fire. While awaiting to be extracted, the patrol suddenly came under a heavy volume of automatic weapons and mortar fire from a numerically superior North Vietnamese Army force and sustained several casualties, including the radio operator. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, Corporal Slocum assumed the duties of radio operator and directed several strafing runs by armed UH-1E helicopters while simultaneously firing his weapon at the hostile soldiers. When the first medical evacuation helicopter landed, Corporal Slocum placed himself behind the aircraft and directed a heavy volume of fire at the approaching enemy force. He then boarded the second helicopter, and as the aircraft lifted from the fire-swept zone, it was hit by hostile ground fire and forced down. After assisting two crew members from the wreckage, he began to climb into the helicopter in order to fire the M-60 machine gun mounted on the aircraft, but was forced to seek cover from the intense enemy fire. Displaying great physical stamina and resourcefulness, Corporal Slocum successfully evaded the hostile forces until rescued by a friendly unit the following day. By his courage, bold initiative and steadfast devotion to duty, Corporal Slocum upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.