The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Louis Richard Barnes (MCSN: 2150373), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Machine Gun Section Leader with Company F, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on 2 June 1967. While conducting a search and destroy mission in Quang Tin Province during Operation UNION II, Company F was suddenly subjected to mortar, small arms and automatic weapons fire from heavily fortified enemy positions along tree lines bordering a large open rice paddy, temporarily pinning down lead elements of the second platoon and inflicting numerous casualties. Observing a wounded Marine lying in an exposed area, Corporal Barnes, with complete disregard for his own safety, unhesitatingly advanced under heavy hostile fire to recover his fallen companion and move him to a protected area. Displaying exceptional leadership and calmness under fire, he then skillfully maneuvered his machine gun team to a more advantageous position where it could deliver suppressive fire on the enemy positions while his platoon advanced. In an effort to silence Corporal Barnes’ weapon the enemy shifted their mortar fire to his position. Although painfully wounded by mortar fragments, he steadfastly refused to leave his position and courageously continued to provide highly effective covering fire, enabling his platoon to destroy the enemy positions and complete its mission. By his outstanding professional skill, heroic actions and unwavering devotion to duty at great personal risk, Corporal Barnes inspired all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.