The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Ronald L. Crooks (MCSN: 2214965), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Machine Gunner with Company B, First Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam, on 7 June 1967. Corporal Crooks was participating with his platoon in a search and clear operation west of Khe Sanh. The entire sweeping unit was taken under heavy and accurate mortar fire by North Vietnamese regular forces. While mortar rounds continued falling upon the patrol’s position, the patrol was assaulted by a North Vietnamese platoon from well-concealed positions. Corporal Crooks immediately put his machine gun into action in the most advantageous positions and returned accurate fire upon the enemy with telling effect. An enemy grenade explosion knocked him from his gun and seriously wounded him. He refused medical treatment and returned to his gun and continued to deliver accurate fire until a second grenade mortally wounded him. By his courageous actions and devotion to duty, Corporal Crooks contributed substantially and directly to the success of the patrol in containing and repelling the enemy. His selfless efforts in behalf of others served to inspire all who observed him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.