The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Lester A. Tully (MCSN: 2221284), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Rifleman with Company G, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 31 January 1968, Corporal Tully’s platoon was assigned to secure the north side of the bridge crossing the Perfume River in the city of Hue. As the Marines moved across the bridge, the platoon suddenly came under a heavy volume of machine gun fire from a concealed enemy bunker only twenty meters from the Marines’ lead elements. The initial burst of fire wounded ten Marines and pinned down the remainder of the unit. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, Corporal Tully unhesitatingly exposed himself to the hostile fire as he fearlessly advanced across the bridge. Undaunted by the intense enemy fire and with complete disregard for his own safety, Corporal Tully assaulted the machine gun position single-handed and killed the five North Vietnamese soldiers manning the bunker. His bold initiative and determined efforts were an inspiration to all who observed him and contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and selfless devotion to duty in the face of extreme personal danger, Corporal Tully upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.