The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star (Army Award) to Major Talman C. Budd, III (MCSN: 0-57146), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against an armed hostile force on 30 and 31 July 1967, while serving as United Sates Marine Task Force Advisor to a Vietnamese Marine battalion during Operation CORONADO II, in the vicinity of Cai Lay, Vietnam. The mission was to trap three Viet Cong battalions in a heavy woodline, employing Major Budd’s men on one side of the woodline, and another friendly battalion on the other. At approximately 0800, as Major Budd hovered above in the Command and Control helicopter, the first increment of Vietnamese Marines and their advisors arrived at the landing zone. They were hit immediately by mortar, rocket, automatic weapons, and small arms fire. Disregarding completely his own safety, Major Budd flew repeatedly over the area, adjusting artillery fire and air strikes as his subordinates relayed information to him. His aircraft was a prime target, but he continued to circle the area throughout the morning and afternoon. It was not until late afternoon that Major Budd was able to land, and immediately went about setting up a Command Post in a small hut. The unrelenting enemy continued their fire into the night, yet Major Budd ceaselessly called for illumination flares and heavy indirect fire. Throughout the night, enemy rounds ripped through the hut, pinning Major Budd and his fellow soldiers to the floor. Then, exactly at 0500 on 31 July, the Viet Cong launched a human wave attack upon the vastly outnumbered men in the Command Post. Major Budd valiantly continued his mission until the enemy actually entered the front door. He dashed into a rice paddy, and, despite having lost his voice, rendered hand signals to his men for more fire upon the charging insurgents. So inspired was the friendly force by his actions that, as dawn broke, they drove the fanatical enemy deep into the treeline and forced them to break contact. Throughout the battle, lasting over 24 hours, Major Budd was a courageous example to all with whom he served. Major Budd’s heroic actions in close combat with a hostile force are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Marine Corps.