The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lance Corporal Albert Steven Hurtado (MCSN: 2072324), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Fire Team Leader with Company E, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in the Quang Tri Province of the Republic of Vietnam on 19 September 1966. Lance Corporal Hurtado’s platoon reconnaissance patrol was taken under heavy small-arms and automatic weapons fire by a larger force of communist regulars and suffered severe casualties. Upon learning that men on the point were wounded and pinned down, Lance Corporal Hurtado, disregarding his own safety, unhesitatingly advanced into the critical zone and evacuated one wounded comrade. Hearing moans of another wounded Marine, he again entered the area but was felled, mortally wounded by automatic weapons fire. By his heroic actions, valiant fighting spirit and inspiring devotion to duty, Lance Corporal Hurtado upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.