The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Hospitalman Delmar J. Wiggins (NSN: 7751021), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action on 18 March 1966, while serving as a Platoon Corpsman with Company F, Second Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in connection with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. When his company encountered and became engaged with a Viet Cong battalion while conducting a search and destroy operation near La Tho Bac, Hospitalman Wiggins continuously exposed himself to the heavy enemy fire while quickly and competently treating the wounded Marines during the ensuing twelve-hour battle. Although the entire company area was constantly swept by intense, grazing small-arms fire and a steady barrage of mortars and grenades, he never hesitated to go to the assistance of casualties. As darkness fell, enemy fire increased, preventing helicopters from landing and evacuating the wounded. Throughout the night, Hospitalman Wiggins efficiently treated more than twenty wounded men until they could be evacuated the following morning. His daring initiative, professional skill and loyal devotion to duty in the face of grave personal risk were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.