The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel Leon Newby Utter (MCSN: 0-49824), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Commanding Officer, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam from 9 to 19 December 1965. During the conduct of Operation HARVEST MOON, Lieutenant Colonel Utter expertly led his Battalion on extended search and destroy operations through areas in Quang Nam Province which had been stubbornly controlled by the Viet Cong for an extended period. With limited time for preparation, he conducted tactical motor march, effected a vertical assault and maneuvered his men to reinforce another battalion which was heavily engaged with Viet Cong forces superior in number. His swift and decisive action forced the enemy to break contact and withdraw. His exceptional professional skill was further exhibited in a vertical assault to a river crossing site which effectively blocked the likely avenue of escape for retreating hostile forces. With brilliant leadership and stalwart determination, he led his battalion on a twenty-five mile march through tortuous hills and flooded rice paddies, on one occasion retaliating superbly when attacked by a large, heavily armed Viet Cong force. Swiftly and aggressively, Lieutenant Colonel Utter succeeded in eliminating the enemy threat. Repeatedly exposing himself to the hostile fire with complete disregard for his own safety, Lieutenant Colonel Utter demonstrated exceptional presence of mind and professional skill in controlling the actions of his Battalion and coordinating supporting artillery and air strikes. As a result of his superior tactics and indomitable fighting spirit, more than one hundred Viet Cong were killed and the Battalion’s mission accomplished with marked success. By his brilliant leadership, uncommon professional abilities and inspiring devotion to duty throughout, Lieutenant Colonel Utter upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.