The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Reginald Jermyn Sutherland (MCSN: 2472883), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Rifleman with Combined Action Platoon 1-4-6, III Marine Amphibious Force, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 10 December 1969, Corporal Sutherland accompanied a patrol that was pursuing several Viet Cong soldiers when the patrol came under a heavy volume of automatic weapons fire from a numerically superior hostile unit. Observing that the patrol leader was separated from the rest of his men and pinned down by small arms fire and hand grenades impacting nearby, Corporal Sutherland stood in full view of the hostile soldiers and provided covering fire which enabled the patrol leader to return to his original position. Disregarding the machine gun rounds impacting around him, Corporal Sutherland dauntlessly maintained his hazardous position until his comrade had reached a relatively safe position. Just as the patrol leader reached a covered location, Corporal Sutherland was mortally wounded by hostile fire. His heroic and selfless actions inspired all who observed him and saved the life of a fellow Marine. By his courage, bold initiative, and unwavering devotion to duty, Corporal Sutherland upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.