The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Archie J. Biggers (MCSN: 0-107246), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company C, First Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in connection with military operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 20 February 1969, the First Platoon was moving as the point element of Company C during Operation DEWEY CANYON when the lead squad came under a heavy volume of small arms and automatic weapons fire which wounded First Lieutenant Biggers and several other Marines. Refusing to be evacuated, he quickly seized the initiative and launched an aggressive attack which forced the entrenched North Vietnamese Army soldiers to withdraw in such haste that they left behind two anti-aircraft weapons. Resuming their mission, the Marines again came under intense hostile fire and First Lieutenant Biggers, with complete disregard for his own safety, quickly maneuvered to a forward position to assess the situation. Observing that the enemy was occupying a well-fortified bunker complex, he skillfully deployed his men into effective fighting positions and fearlessly moved from one Marine to another as he shouted encouragement and firing directions. Then moving to a dangerously exposed vantage point, he skillfully directed supporting artillery fire upon the hostile bunkers and then, upon completion of the fire mission, led a valiant ground assault against the entrenched North Vietnamese Army soldiers. Although wounded a second time and suffering considerable pain, he against steadfastly refused medical attention and remaining in the forefront of his men, relentlessly advanced toward the enemy positions, firing his pistol and hurling hand grenades as he ran. His aggressive fighting spirit and dynamic leadership so inspired his men that they overran the hostile bunkers, forcing the enemy to retreat and leave behind numerous casualties, as well as two 122-mm. field artillery weapons. By his courage, bold fighting spirit, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, First Lieutenant Biggers upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.