The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lance Corporal William A. Bauer (MCSN: 1884761), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Fire Team Leader in the Third Squad, Second Platoon, Company K, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, during combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the afternoon of 24 July 1966, during Operation HASTINGS, Lance Corporal Bauer’s squad was acting as lead element for his Company in an attempt to reinforce Company I when they came under heavy automatic weapons fire from an estimated company of North Vietnamese Army forces. Lance Corporal Bauer immediately provided a base of fire for the squad until he expended his ammunition. Seeing that the Squad Leader had been killed and two other Marines seriously wounded, selflessly and with complete disregard for his own safety, he ran under heavy fire to the aid of his comrades. Utilizing their weapons, Lance Corporal Bauer moved from position to position to deceive the enemy while delivering an intense volume of fire. Noticing that the Grenadier had become a casualty and, realizing the vital necessity for the fire power of the M-79 grenade launcher, he ran to his companion’s position and began to deliver effective fire on the enemy until support arrived from the remainder of the Company. After the enemy had been dispersed, Lance Corporal Bauer assisted in administering first aid to the wounded and refused to leave until the last man was evacuated. The effectiveness of his actions became evident, when the bodies of nine enemy soldiers were found within a few feet of the wounded Marines. His initiative and courage in the face of grave personal risk were an inspiration to all those who observed him and were instrumental in repulsing the enemy. By his fearless actions, bold initiative, and loyal devotion to duty, Lance Corporal Bauer upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.