The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Claud W. Capraro (MCSN: 2373669), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Guide with Company K, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the night of 3 December 1968, Corporal Capraro was a member of a combat patrol which discovered seven enemy soldiers hiding in a small, camouflaged hut south of DaNang in Quang Nam Province. Accompanied by two comrades, Corporal Capraro fearlessly approached the position and called for the enemy to surrender. In a vain attempt to escape, several of the hostile soldiers ran out of the hut firing their weapons and throwing hand grenades. In the initial burst of enemy fire, a Marine was wounded and fell dangerously exposed to a grenade thrown from the hut. Completely disregarding his own safety, Corporal Capraro unhesitatingly threw himself on top of the wounded Marine and shielded him from the exploding grenade at the cost of his own life. His heroic and timely actions earned the respect and admiration of all who observed him and saved the life of a fellow Marine. By his courage, bold initiative and selfless devotion to duty, Corporal Capraro upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.