The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lance Corporal Roosevelt Barden, Jr. (MCSN: 2490809), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Fire Team Leader with Company K, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 25 October 1969, while Company K was moving down a narrow valley during a search and destroy operation in the Que Son District of Quang Nam Province, all members of the machine gun team, comprising the point element, were seriously wounded by a heavy volume of automatic weapons and sniper fire from North Vietnamese Army soldiers occupying well-concealed positions in the dense vegetation. Observing that the casualties were lying in an open area and presented a lucrative target for the hostile snipers, Lance Corporal Barden unhesitatingly left his relatively secure rear position and, rushing into the clearing, directed fire at the enemy emplacements. When a Corpsman came forward to render aid to one of the fallen men, Lance Corporal Barden then boldly darted from one position to another to confuse the snipers and draw their attention, thereby allowing the Corpsman time to administer first aid and evacuate his patient to a covered location. While moving to provide protective fire for another wounded Marine, he was pinned down by increased hostile fire. However, seeing the Corpsman enter the fire-swept terrain a second time, Lance Corporal Barden ignored the enemy rounds impacting around him as he again employed diversionary tactics which provided the time vitally necessary for the Corpsman to care for the second casualty. With complete disregard for his own safety, he then assisted the Corpsman in evacuating the critically wounded Marine to a secure position. His heroic and determined actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in saving the lives of two fellow Marines. By his courage, bold initiative, and selfless devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, Lance Corporal Barden upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.