The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Gunnery Sergeant Francis Edward Winebar (MCSN: 1352529), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Company Gunnery Sergeant with Company A, First Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy at Cam Lo, Republic of Vietnam. On the morning of 27 August 1966, Gunnery Sergeant Winebar’s Company was in a defensive position providing protection for a forward tank and artillery position when they were attacked by a numerically superior enemy fore of North Vietnamese and Viet Cong. Attacking savagely with automatic weapons fire, grenades and satchel charges, the enemy succeeded in penetrating the Company’s line of defense. Gunnery Sergeant Winebar, displaying extraordinary initiative and bravery, immediately formed a reaction force to counterattack the enemy. In the first few minutes of the fierce fighting, armed only with a pistol, he shot and killed an enemy soldier, seized his automatic weapon, and proceeded to kill three more of the enemy. With complete disregard for his own safety, he lead his unit forward in the face of the intense enemy fire. As the counterattack progressed, he shot and killed another enemy soldier who was on top of a tank preparing to throw a satchel charge in the hatch. His prompt action undoubtedly saved the tank and its crew members. Gunnery Sergeant Winebar’s aggressive fighting spirit, daring courage, and fearless determination inspired his men to exert exceptional effort against seemingly insurmountable odds and contributed significantly in repulsing the enemy attack. By his extraordinary professional ability, courageous leadership, and selfless devotion to duty in the face of grave personal risk, Gunnery Sergeant Winebar upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.