The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lance Corporal William T. Buckles (MCSN: 233245), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Fire Team Leader with Company M, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced,, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the morning of 6 February 1968, Company M was assisting an Army of the Republic of Vietnam unit that was engaged with a numerically superior North Vietnamese force. As the Marines maneuvered toward the enemy positions, they came under a heavy volume of small arms, automatic weapons, and mortar fire and sustained numerous casualties. Disregarding his own safety, Corporal Buckles moved across the fire-swept area and, evacuating several wounded men to positions of relative safety, skillfully administered first aid to the injured Marines. Observing an enemy machine gun that had his platoon pinned down, he obtained an M-79 grenade launcher and a pistol and fearlessly began maneuvering toward the hostile emplacement. Unhesitatingly moving forward, Corporal Buckles continued his aggressive assault until he was mortally wounded. In large measure due to his heroic actions and resolute determination, the enemy was forced to break contact and flee. By his courage, intrepid fighting spirit, and selfless devotion to duty in the face of extreme personal danger, Corporal Buckles inspired all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.