The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Hospital Corpsman Second Class Roy L. Youngblood (NSN: 6925243), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Corpsman with Company M, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, on 18 and 22 July 1966, in connection with operations against enemy forces in the Republic of Vietnam. During search and destroy operations in Quang Tri Province, Petty Officer Youngblood’s company came under intense enemy automatic weapons and machine gun fire. Repeatedly exposing himself to hostile fire, he unhesitatingly went to the aid of Marines in another platoon whose corpsmen had been wounded or killed. With complete disregard for his own safety, Petty Officer Youngblood skillfully evaluated the condition of the casualties, applied first aid and moved them to positions of relative safety. On one occasion, he ran to the assistance of a wounded Marine who was under intense machine gun fire, performed an emergency tracheotomy, and then evacuated the wounded Marine from the battlefield. On 22 July 1966, Petty Officer Youngblood again demonstrated exceptional courage. While maneuvering toward several wounded Marines, under intense enemy automatic and semi-automatic weapons fire, he was wounded in the head. Despite his painful injury, he selflessly refused treatment for himself and continued to treat and evacuate his comrades. His heroic actions in the face of enemy fire inspired all those who observed him and undoubtedly saved the lives of numerous Marines. By his exceptional professional skill, uncommon concern for the welfare of others, steadfast courage and loyal devotion to duty, Petty Officer Youngblood upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.