The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lance Corporal Espiridion Araujo, Jr. (MCSN: 2423491), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Rifleman with Company A, First Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in connection with military operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the morning of 21 November 1968, Lance Corporal Araujo was serving as Point Man for a company search and destroy operation near Khe Sanh when he alertly observed a North Vietnamese Army squad on the trail to his direct front. Fearlessly exposing himself to the enemy, he shouted a warning to the remainder of his unit as the hostile soldiers commenced delivering a heavy volume of fire against the advancing Marines, seriously wounding Lance Corporal Araujo. Disregarding his painful injuries and ignoring the hostile rounds impacting near him, he resolutely remained in his dangerously exposed position, shouting words of encouragement to his comrades and directing their fire on the North Vietnamese positions. Continuing his determined efforts, Lance Corporal Araujo delivered an accurate volume of suppressive fire on the enemy, enabling his company to gain fire superiority and forcing the hostile soldiers to flee in panic and confusion. His daring initiative and heroic efforts inspired all who observed him and contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and steadfast devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Lance Corporal Araujo prevented a surprise attack upon his company and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.