The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Eldridge Patterson, Jr. (MCSN: 2159667), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Squad Leader with Company L, Third Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 14 April 1968, Company L was assaulting a large North Vietnamese Army force on Hill 800, near Khe Sanh Combat Base, when the Marines came under a heavy volume of automatic weapons fire and hand grenades and were pinned down. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, Corporal Patterson unhesitatingly exposed himself to the intense fire and led an aggressive assault on the hostile positions. Although seriously wounded in the head during the ensuing fire fight, he fearlessly maneuvered forward across the fire-swept terrain, firing his weapon at the enemy. Ignoring his painful injuries, he steadfastly continued his determined efforts, and only after his men had forced the enemy to flee in panic and confusion, did he allow his wound to be treated. His superb leadership and aggressive fighting spirit were an inspiration to all who observed him and contributed immeasurably to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his courage, bold initiative and steadfast devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Corporal Patterson upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.