The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Albert Lawrence Betts (MCSN: 1982176), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Sergeant with Company D, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 6 February 1968, Staff Sergeant Betts was participating in a patrol near the village of La Chau (2) when the Marines came under intense hostile fire from approximately two companies of Viet Cong. While advancing with two squads toward the hostile positions, Staff Sergeant Betts personally killed three enemy. Realizing that his unit was vastly outnumbered, he ordered his men to withdraw to a covered position. Alertly observing two Viet Cong attempting to kill a wounded Marine, he fearlessly rushed across the fire-swept terrain and killed the enemy soldiers. He then picked up the wounded Marine with one hand and a radio with the other and carried both to a covered position. Utilizing the radio, he requested reinforcements and air support. While awaiting the arrival of the reinforcements, he continued to use the radio to direct the fire of both fixed-wing aircraft and armed helicopters against the hostile emplacements. His heroic and timely actions saved the life of his wounded comrade and were an inspiration to all who served with him. By his leadership, bold initiative and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Staff Sergeant Betts upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.