The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lance Corporal Fred Austin Allen (MCSN: 2520196), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Machine Gun Team Leader with Company I, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the night of 31 January 1970, Lance Corporal Allen was participating in a squad-sized patrol in an area southwest of DaNang when his unit came under intense small arms and rocket-propelled grenade fire from a large, well-concealed enemy force. During the initial burst of fire, several of the Marines were seriously wounded. Unhesitatingly braving the hostile fusillade, Lance Corporal Allen positioned his machine gun at the point of heaviest contact and commenced directing devastating fire at the hostile emplacements. When he observed an enemy hand grenade land only a few feet from his team, he quickly leaped forward and hurled the grenade back toward the enemy soldiers where it exploded in mid-air. His heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him and undoubtedly saved his fellow Marines from serious injury or possible death. By his courage, bold initiative, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, Lance Corporal Allen upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.