The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Bernard L. Forgea (MCSN: 2289312), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company B, First Amphibian Tractor Battalion, THIRD Marine Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 30 August 1967, during Operation Kingfisher, Corporal Forgea was serving as a Fire Team Leader on a patrol moving into a night ambush position north of the Cua Viet River when the unit came under intense enemy automatic weapons fire. Immediately returning fire, he realized that his position was untenable and directed his men to maneuver to a better position near the main patrol. While providing effective covering fire for his team’s withdrawal, Corporal Forgea killed two North Vietnamese soldiers. As he withdrew, he observed that one of his men was wounded and lying in an area dangerously exposed to the hostile fire. Disregarding his own safety, he fearlessly moved through the enemy fire to the casualty and, after determining the severity of his wound, called for assistance in moving him to a place of relative safety. Returning immediately to his fire team, he skillfully directed their efforts in repulsing repeated enemy attacks and personally destroyed a hostile antitank rocket position with grenades. Realizing the necessity for the immediate evacuation of the casualty, he directed an amphibian tractor to his position; however the vehicle was struck by a rocket round, wounding the crew. Exposing himself to the increasing volume of hostile fire, he courageously mounted the disabled vehicle and, utilizing the machine gun mounted on top, delivered accurate suppressive fire on the enemy. As a result of his heroic and timely actions, a second tractor was able to advance and evacuate all the casualties. His resolute determination and bold initiative undoubtedly saved the life of at least one Marine and prevented the enemy from inflicting additional casualties on the beleaguered unit. By his courage, superb leadership and unfaltering devotion to duty in the face of extreme personal danger, Corporal Forgea upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.