The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lance Corporal Dan Markyle Bartlett (MCSN: 2115490), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Radioman with Company E, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. Early on the morning of 16 May 1966, Lance Corporal Bartlett was participating in a sweep and destroy operation in stubbornly controlled enemy territory near Xuan Ngoc Village when his squad was ambushed by a force of about sixty Viet Cong. Withering fire from machine guns and automatic weapons poured in from three sides, wounding several Marines, including Lance Corporal Bartlett, in the initial volley. Ignoring his own suffering, he skillfully operated his radio and established contact with the rest of the platoon, which was situated about two thousand meters away. Although he was wounded four more times during the vicious thirty-five minute firefight, he stalwartly maintained contact with the parent unit, calling for medical assistance and helping to direct he relief forces to the beleaguered position. Despite his intense suffering, he continued to man his radio until it too was hit by enemy fire and put out of commission. His persevering effort was of inestimable value in alerting the relief force and undoubtedly saved the lives of several of his comrades. By his extraordinary courage in the face of enemy fire, superior technical skill under the most adverse conditions and unswerving dedication to duty throughout, Lance Corporal Bartlett upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.