The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to First Sergeant W. L. Martin (MCSN: 298134), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as First Sergeant of Company F, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 22 March 1967, while on a search and destroy operation in Quang Ngai Province, First Sergeant Martin’s company came under intense small arms and automatic weapons fire from concealed Viet Cong positions in the village of An Lac (2). The advance of the lead platoon was temporarily halted approximately halfway across a 600 meter open rice paddy and simultaneously, two Marines were seriously wounded when an enemy booby trap exploded. Quickly assessing the serious situation, First Sergeant Martin unhesitatingly ran to a position on the edge of the paddy exposed to enemy fire and directed 60-mm mortar suppressive fire on the Viet Cong positions. Then, disregarding his own safety, he rushed across 300 meters of open rice paddy, constantly exposed to hostile fire, and organized the lead platoon’s faltering right flank. Taking one squad and the machine gun section, he began an aggressive assault on the village. When one of the machine gunners became exhausted, First Sergeant Martin took control of his men and personally led the assault into the village. Rapidly consolidating his position, he skillfully and systematically searched and cleared the village which enabled the remainder of the platoon and company to advance safely and the wounded to be evacuated. His exceptional tactical skill, professionalism and aggressiveness were an inspiration to all who observed him and contributed immeasurably to the successful accomplishment of his unit’s mission with a minimum number of casualties. By his superior leadership, uncommon courage and selfless devotion to duty at great personal risk, First Sergeant Martin upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.