The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lance Corporal Abraham R. Derryberry, III (MCSN: 2259201), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Rifleman with Company A, First Battalion, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. Late on the afternoon of 5 March 1968 during Operation Napoleon/Saline, the lead platoon of Company A was participating in a company-size search and clear mission near the village of Dai Do in Quang Tri Province when the unit came under heavy enemy small arms and automatic weapons fire, wounding several Marines and pinning down the remainder of the platoon. Rapidly assessing the situation, Lance Corporal Derryberry provided covering fire which enabled a corpsman to move across the fire-swept area to reach the injured men and administer first aid. Then, ignoring the heavy volume of hostile fire, he led a fire team across the hazardous area to carry a resupply of ammunition to the platoon, advancing under intense fire to the most forward position. Repeatedly exposing himself to hostile fire, he carried the casualties to safety, refusing to leave the battle area until he ensured that all the wounded had been moved to covered positions. Subsequently, when his company was engaged in another search and clear mission on 7 March near the village of Phu Ta, the Marines suddenly came under heavy small arms and automatic weapons fire from an estimated two North Vietnamese Army companies. During the assault against the village, Lance Corporal Derryberry was mortally wounded. By his courage, inspiring leadership and selfless devotion to duty, Lance Corporal Derryberry upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.