The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Hospital Corpsman Second Class Andrew Charles Rackow (NSN: B-407475), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Senior Corpsman of Company F, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 6 August 1968, while participating in Operation MAMELUKE THRUST in Quang Nam Province, Company F came under intense automatic weapons and recoilless rifle fire while assaulting an enemy position and sustained numerous casualties. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, Petty Officer Rackow unhesitatingly maneuvered to the point of heaviest contact where he began treating the wounded and organizing teams to carry the casualties to an amphibian tractor for evacuation. Observing a wounded companion lying only ten meters from a fortified enemy bunker, he completely disregarded his own safety by rushing across sixty meters of fire-swept terrain in an effort to assist his comrade. Arriving at the wounded Marine’s side, he shielded him from the accurate fire with his own body as he resolutely commenced administering medical aid. While continuing to assist his injured companion, Petty Officer Rackow was mortally wounded by enemy automatic weapons fire. His heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him and saved the lives of several Marines. By his courage, bold initiative and selfless devotion to duty, Petty Officer Rackow inspired all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.