The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal George Richard King, Jr. (MCSN: 2384884), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Reconnaissance Patrol Leader with Company B, Third Reconnaissance Battalion, THIRD Marine Division, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 2 February 1969, Corporal King’s six-man reconnaissance team had conducted a patrol near Fire Support Base CATAPULT in Quang Tri Province and was waiting to be extracted from the area. Alertly detecting a numerically superior hostile force approaching his position, Corporal King waited until the enemy unit was near a pre-positioned directional mine and, signaling the detonation of the explosive device, killed two hostile soldiers. Taking advantage of the enemy’s confusion, he delivered accurate small arms fire into the hostile ranks and fearlessly exposed himself to the intense enemy fire to more effectively observe the hostile activity. Although seriously wounded in the hip, Corporal King crawled through the heavy undergrowth and, skillfully directing extremely effective grenade fire upon the enemy positions, forced them into a confused retreat. Shortly after the initial contact, while checking the results of the encounter, the team was confronted by a hostile soldier throwing hand grenades. Rushing forward with complete disregard for his own safety, Corporal King, firing his M-16 rifle with unerring accuracy, killed the enemy and then searched the area, capturing weapons, equipment, and valuable documents. When extraction helicopters arrived, he steadfastly remained in the hazardous area to provide covering fire as his comrades boarded the aircraft. His bold initiative and timely actions inspired all who observed him and contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Corporal King upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.