The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private Glenn Joseph Blackburn (MCSN: 2160441), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Rifleman with Company D, First Battalion, Third Marines, Ninth Marine Amphibious Brigade in connection with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 4 May 1967, during Operation BEAVER CAGE, Company D was conducting a search and destroy mission near An Xuan village in Tinh Quang Nam Province when it suddenly came under intense fire from a numerically superior Viet Cong force. In the ensuing engagement, the Third Platoon became pinned down by heavy small arms and automatic weapons fire. While maneuvering to the assistance of the besieged unit, two squads from Private Blackburn’s platoon were momentarily halted before establishing contact with the beleaguered unit, however his squad successfully reached the Third Platoon’s position. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, he aggressively moved through the area in search of enemy positions and, while assaulting a Viet Cong machine gun emplacement, sustained a serious shoulder wound. Pausing only to receive medical aid, he refused evacuation and steadfastly continued to engage the enemy with accurate rifle fire. Subsequently observing two wounded Marines lying in an open area, he unhesitatingly exposed himself to the heavy volume of hostile fire and, disregarding his painful injury, maneuvered across the fire-swept terrain to the side of the wounded man. While assisting one of the injured Marines to safety, Private Blackburn sustained a second wound from enemy fire and was unable to continue. His aggressive fighting spirit and fearless initiative were an inspiration to all who observed him and contributed immeasurably to the defeat of the enemy. By his inspiring courage, unwavering determination and selfless devotion to duty in the face of extreme personal danger, Private Blackburn upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.