Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Corporal

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    4th Marines

    Division:

    3d Marine Division (Rein.), FMF

    Action Date:

    August 18, 1965

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Edward Leroy Vaughn (MCSN: 1946372), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces while serving as a Machine Gun Squad Leader with Company H, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, during Operation STARLITE near Chu Lai, Republic of Vietnam. On 18 August 1965, Corporal Vaughn’s platoon was subjected to intense mortar and small arms fire from its flanks. Spotting an enemy mortar position to the rear, but unable to deliver effective fire from his covered position, he dashed across a fire-swept rice paddy to a more advantageous location. Unable to deliver fire effectively from the prone position, Corporal Vaughn fearlessly stood exposed to intense enemy fire, shouldered his machine gun and fired three hundred rounds, killing the entire seven man mortar crew. While returning to his original position, he observed a new crew moving toward the mortar. Heroically repeating his actions, Corporal Vaughn killed the new crew and put the mortar permanently out of commission, thereby undoubtedly saving countless Marine lives and contributing significantly to the success of the operation. By his daring actions and inspiring devotion to duty throughout, Corporal Vaughn upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.