The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Gary R. Bartlett (MCSN: 1940379), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Squad Leader with Company F, Second Battalion, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam on 20 July 1966. On that day, Sergeant Bartlett’s platoon was assigned the mission of conducting a combination reconnaissance and combat patrol in the Dong Tam Village area. The patrol had not been in the area long when it encountered a well entrenched Viet Cong ambush. The ambush was initiated by a series of electrically detonated mines followed by heavy automatic weapons fire, from which the platoon sustained seven casualties including one killed almost immediately. Although the platoon appeared to be hopelessly outnumbered, Sergeant Bartlett chose to advance in the face of the heavy hostile fire to cross an open area, calling for his squad to follow. Although he was knocked down twice by mine concussions, he courageously continued the advance, skillfully directing the fire and maneuver of his squad, bringing such heavy pressure on the enemy that his platoon was able to gain fire superiority. Largely through his courageous actions, his unit overcame and defeated a stubborn enemy. By his courageous leadership, initiative and exemplary devotion to duty, Sergeant Bartlett upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.