The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Wayne Arnold Babb (MCSN: 0-85006), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Commanding Officer of Company D, Second Battalion, Eleventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. Early on the morning of 19 March 1969, Battery D’s position near An Hoa in Quang Nam Province came under intense hostile mortar and rocket fire supporting a determined attack by an enemy company attempting to penetrate the perimeter and destroy the artillery emplacements. Rapidly assessing the situation, Captain Babb immediately requested artillery illumination and skillfully adjusted supporting fires into areas around his battery’s position not otherwise covered by his own artillery pieces which were utilizing direct fire. Completely disregarding his own safety when he learned that elements of the hostile force had penetrated the perimeter defenses, he ignored the danger from exploding satchel charges and the heavy volume of enemy rocket, grenade and small arms fire as he boldly moved throughout the fire-swept area to deploy his men and direct supporting arms fire which halted the enemy advance. Quickly organizing a reaction squad, he fearlessly led his men in an aggressive assault against the hostile soldiers occupying one of his artillery emplacements, personally killing two of the enemy and routing the others. Although painfully wounded, Captain Babb steadfastly refused medical attention until he had completed the reorganization of the battery position and ensured that the serious Marine casualties were evacuated. His superb leadership and heroic actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in repulsing the assault and accounted for fifty-nine hostile soldiers confirmed killed. By his courage, bold initiative and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Captain Babb upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.