The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Willard Paul Armes (MCSN: 0-106503), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company M, Third Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the evening of 10 February 1969, Second Lieutenant Armes’ platoon was conducting a search and destroy operation near the Da Krong River when the Marines came under intense hostile small arms and automatic weapons fire. Reacting instantly, Second Lieutenant Armes rushed forward to the lead element of his platoon and quickly deployed his men, directing his machine gunners to establish a base of fire which enabled him to maneuver his platoon into more defensible positions. Lacking a platoon sergeant and other senior noncommissioned officers, he constantly moved among his men throughout the entire fire fight, directing their fire, supervising and assisting with the evacuation of the wounded, and maneuvering his unit toward its objective. Repeatedly exposing himself to enemy fire, he fearlessly encouraged his men to move forward until they secured their objective late the following morning, accounting for twenty-five hostile soldiers killed during the entire battle. His heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him and were responsible for the successful completion of his platoon’s mission. By his courage, bold leadership and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Second Lieutenant Armes upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.