The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Gunnery Sergeant Walter W. Melton, Jr. (MCSN: 1434949), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Company Gunnery Sergeant of Company G, Second Battalion, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. During the early morning hours of 1 June 1969, while participating in Operation VIRGINIA RIDGE in northern Quang Tri Province, Company G Came under a heavy volume of mortar and small arms fire. The withering fire raked through the lines of the Third Platoon, causing numerous casualties, including the key leadership personnel. Unhesitatingly leaving his relatively secure rear position, Gunnery Sergeant Melton fearlessly rushed across two hundred meters of fire-swept terrain to the forward area. Displaying superb tactical ability and vast composure under the intense fire, he shouted encouragement and directions to the Marines there as he took charge of the platoon and rallied the momentarily disoriented men. Seemingly oblivious to the enemy rounds impacting around him, he then led an aggressive counterattack against the hostile positions, an action which also deployed the beleaguered platoon out of the dangerous mortar impact area. On three separate occasions during the course of the assault, he completely disregarded his own safety to carry critically wounded men through the dangerous area to covered locations, thereby saving them from further injury or possible death. Under his inspiring leadership, the platoon maintained the vigor and momentum of the attack, defeating the North Vietnamese Army infantrymen and killing ten of the enemy soldiers. By his courage, bold initiative, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, Gunnery Sergeant Melton turned a potentially disastrous situation into a Marine victory. His determination and aggressive fighting spirit in the face of great personal danger inspired all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.