The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Edward Collins, Jr. (MCSN: 2404021), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Rifleman with Company B, First Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, THIRD Marine Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 30 March 1968, during Operation SCOTLAND, Company B was engaged in patrol activities near Khe Sanh Combat Base, when the lead elements came under intense mortar and automatic weapons fire from a well entrenched, numerically superior North Vietnamese Army force, temporarily pinning down the Marines and causing several casualties. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, Private First Class Collins completely disregarded his own safety as he unhesitatingly ran across the fire-swept area on four occasions and boldly assaulted the hostile bunkers, killing several enemy soldiers and destroying four emplacements, enabling his unit to continue the attack. Although temporarily stunned when a hostile grenade struck his helmet, he quickly recovered and continued his assault, killing five additional North Vietnamese soldiers before the company was ordered to break contact. While the remainder of his unit was withdrawing, he resolutely remained behind to provide highly effective covering fire and assist in the evacuation of the wounded. His heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him and contributed significantly in his unit accounting for 115 North Vietnamese soldiers confirmed killed. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and selfless devotion to duty at great personal risk, Private First Class Collins upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.