The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lance Corporal Marcus L. Sykora (MCSN: 2192997), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as an Automatic Rifleman with Company M, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. In the early morning hours on 14 May 1967, Lance Corporal Sykora’s company was subjected to intense small arms, automatic weapons and mortar fire, followed by a vicious attack by a North Vietnamese force during Operation Union near Phouc Duc (4) in Quang Tin Province. Unhesitatingly, Lance Corporal Sykora exposed himself to the concentrated enemy fire while directing accurate return fire on the enemy. Almost immediately, the enemy pinpointed his position, but undaunted by the intense fire striking around him, Lance Corporal Sykora remained in his perilous position, inflicting numerous casualties and disorganizing the North Vietnamese until he was seriously wounded by enemy fire in the had and neck. In large measure due to Lance Corporal Sykora’s bold actions and courage in the face of grave personal danger, the enemy was repulsed and forty-six North Vietnamese soldiers were killed. By his exceptional professional ability, fearless initiative and selfless devotion to duty, Lance Corporal Sykora upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.