The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Raymond Ellis (NSN: 0-621357), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity on 30 September 1965, while serving as advisor to the 27th River Assault Group, Vietnamese Navy, in the hostile area of Dinh Tuong Province, Republic of Vietnam. Lieutenant Ellis assisted in planning and executing the attack on a heavily-fortified Viet Cong stronghold. During the assault, as enemy fire increased in volume and accuracy, he continuously exposed himself to this fire while calling for air support and artillery bombardment. He personally maintained the integrity of the force by preventing the command craft from grounding. He was mortally wounded by hostile fire while attempting to replace the fallen gunner of an automatic weapon. Lieutenant Ellis, by his leadership, courage and devotion to duty, upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.