The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Stuart Charles Berman (MCSN: 0-94544), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company C, First Anti-Tank Battalion, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam on 21 March 1967. During a search and clear operation by the First Battalion, Fifth Marines near Tam Ky, Second Lieutenant Berman was leading a heavy section of Ontos into blocking positions when one of the Ontos, maneuvering into firing position, struck an enemy mine, immediately setting the vehicle ablaze and trapping the crew inside. Reacting instantly and with complete disregard for his own safety, Second Lieutenant Berman ran to the Ontos, braved the intense heat and exploding small arms ammunition and pulled one of the crewmen from the flaming vehicle. Realizing that the 106-mm. ammunition and fuel could explode at any moment, he unhesitatingly returned to the vehicle and assisted in the removal of another Marine. He supervised immediate first aid to the casualties and called or an evacuation helicopter. Simultaneously, the Ontos section came under heavy enemy small arms fire from an estimated Viet Cong company. Displaying uncommon courage and aggressive fighting spirit, Second Lieutenant Berman fearlessly mounted an Ontos and despite the intense hostile fire, directed the fire of his two remaining vehicles. The Viet Cong position was destroyed by his section’s effective fire, however, heavy fire was received from another enemy position. Skillfully, Second Lieutenant Berman directed accurate fire on the Viet Cong positions and silenced the hostile fire. During a subsequent enemy assault, he personally killed two Viet Cong and his unit was credited with nine enemy probable killed and two wounded. His daring and heroic actions undoubtedly saved the lives of two Ontos crewmen and prevented the enemy from inflicting additional casualties on his unit or damage to his vehicles. By his inspiring leadership, bold initiative and uncommon devotion to duty at great personal risk, Second Lieutenant Berman contributed immeasurably to the successful accomplishment of his unit’s mission and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.