The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Jerry Irving Simpson (MCSN: 0-80331), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in armed conflict against the Communist insurgent forces in the Republic of Vietnam on 12 July 1967. As Marine Advisor to the Third Battalion, Vietnamese Marine Corps, Captain Simpson participated in Operation PADDINGTON, a search and destroy operation conducted in Phuoc Tuy Province. Captain Simpson was accompanying the leading elements of the battalion through dense jungle and bamboo growth when they were taken under intense enemy small arms fire. A reconnaissance helicopter, which Captain Simpson was directing from the ground, was then taken under heavy enemy automatic weapons fire and was shot down. Advancing under hostile fire, Captain Simpson unhesitatingly led the battalion command group to the scene of the downed helicopter. Moving to an exposed position, he directed the successful deployment of the battalion command group security element which suppressed the intense enemy fire and provided protection for the helicopter crew. Captain Simpson’s heroic actions were a factor in saving the lives of the crew and in preventing the confiscation and destruction of the helicopter. The aggressive action taken to protect the crew of the downed helicopter created a gap of three hundred meters between the battalion command group and the two forward companies. The two leading companies and the battalion command group began receiving intensive fire from automatic weapons, mortars, recoilless rifles and rockets. With the two leading companies fully engaged and separated from the battalion command group, there was extreme danger that the command group would be cut off. Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, Captain Simpson advised his counterpart to form a defensive position around the command group in an attempt to repel the enemy with maximum fire from all weapons. Continuous hostile fire from automatic weapons, mortars, recoilless rifles, rockets and grenades was being received at Captain Simpson’s position. With complete disregard for his own life and safety, Captain Simpson heroically called for artillery fire on his own position to prevent the enemy from completely overrunning the command group. As a result of his gallant actions, the Viet Cong were forces to break contact and withdraw from the area. Captain Simpson’s heroic actions in the face of extremely intense enemy fire resulted in 43 Viet Cong killed in action, and numerous insurgent weapons confiscated including the latest B-40 rocket launcher. Later intelligence indicated that over 100 Viet Cong were wounded and carried off by their comrades. Captain Simpson’s outstanding professionalism and devotion to duty under a withering barrage of enemy fire were instrumental to the success of this operation. His inspiring leadership and exceptional courage under fire were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star (Army Award) to Captain Jerry Irving Simpson (MCSN: 0-80331), United States Marine Corps, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving as United States Marine Corps Advisor to a Vietnamese Marine battalion, on 30 and 31 July 1967, in the vicinity of Cai Lay, Vietnam. Captain Simpson was to assist in trapping three battalions of Viet Cong in a thick wood-line, and he led the second wave of troops through deadly fire in the helicopter landing zone and began to maneuver aggressively. The hostile fire was characterized by mortars, rockets, automatic weapons, and small arms, and Captain Simpson and his fellow soldiers were pinned down. In total disregard for his personal safety, Captain Simpson exposed himself to withering fire in order to establish a perimeter and to point out likely enemy positions. Mortar fire bracketed his position throughout the day, but Captain Simpson calmly called for and directed gunships, air strikes, and artillery. As darkness fell the fire continued. Captain Simpson assisted in establishing a Command Post and, with bullets ripping through the small hut, he lay on the floor and continued to call for support. At 0500 on 31 July, the Viet Cong launched a human wave assault upon the Command Post. It was not until the insurgents actually entered the hut, with guns blazing, that Captain Simpson left. Dashing into a rice paddy, he aided in rallying the men, and after a barrage of artillery fire succeeded in eventually routing the enemy. Captain Simpson’s heroic actions in close combat with a hostile force are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Marine Corps.