The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Elias Trevino (MCSN: 1374493), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company A, First Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 26 February 1966, Sergeant Trevino was assigned as Platoon Guide of the First Platoon of Company A, which, together with a Vietnamese Popular Force Company, was defending a small hill in the vicinity of Chu Lai. In the pre-dawn hours, an estimated Viet Cong company commenced an attack with a violent bombardment of mortar and small arms fire. Almost immediately the Platoon Commander became a casualty. Although the entire area was being pounded with grenades, mortars and deadly small arms fire, Sergeant Trevino, with complete disregard for his own safety, moved across the open terrain to where the officer had fallen. While attempting to move the casualty to safety, a .30 caliber bullet penetrated his steel helmet lodging in the liner, and the concussion drove him to his knees in a semiconscious condition. Calling upon every reserve of strength he possessed, Sergeant Trevino managed to clear his vision and regain his balance. Resuming his task once more, Sergeant Trevino had just started to move the casualty again when an enemy round ripped into his upper arm, causing him to drop his commander. Ignoring the intense pain and heavy enemy fire, Sergeant Trevino courageously picked up the officer for the third time and succeeded in moving him to a safe position. Noticing three Viet Cong who had broken through the defensive wire, he quickly opened fire, killing one and forcing the others to flee. He remained alert for the remainder of the four hour engagement, gallantly protecting his wounded Platoon Commander and two other Marine casualties. By his extraordinary courage in the face of extreme danger, relentless fighting spirit and selfless dedication to duty throughout, Sergeant Trevino upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.