The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lance Corporal [the Private First Class] Jose M. Baez (MCSN: 2243475), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Machine Gun Team Leader with Company D, First Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 26 October 1967, during Operation GRANITE, Company D was conducting a search and destroy operation when the lead element suddenly came under intense automatic weapons and anti-tank rocket fire from a numerically superior North Vietnamese Army force and was pinned down. During the initial burst of fire, three men were seriously wounded and fell in an area dangerously exposed to the hostile fire. Realizing that the men would succumb to their injuries unless treated immediately, Lance Corporal Baez unhesitatingly stood up and boldly began firing his M-60 machine gun at the enemy soldiers. Ignoring the hostile rounds impacting around him, he fearlessly advanced up the fire-swept trail, directing a heavy volume of fire upon the enemy positions, until he reached the wounded men. Completely disregarding his own safety, he placed himself between the casualties and the hostile force and courageously continued his determined efforts, forcing the enemy to flee and enabling his injured companions to be treated. His heroic actions and aggressive fighting spirit inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in saving the lives of several Marines. By his courage, bold initiative and selfless devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Lance Corporal Baez upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.