The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Eugene Blocker (MCSN: 1904253), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Machine Gun Section Leader with Company A, First Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in connection with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 21 February 1967, Staff Sergeant Blocker’s platoon came under intense enemy small arms, automatic weapons, rocket and mortar fire from a numerically superior Viet Cong force. Two of the unit’s machine gun teams were rendered ineffective in the initial moments of the encounter as one team was hit by rocket fire and the other detonated an explosive device in the heavily mined and booby trapped area. Quickly evaluating the situation and realizing that maximum fire power was required, Staff Sergeant Blocker unhesitatingly moved into the mined area under intense enemy fire to retrieve one of the machine guns. With complete disregard for his own safety, he then employed the machine gun on the bridge and delivered accurate fire on the enemy positions. Subsequently, his position sustained a rocket hit which wounded him and members of his section. Demonstrating firm determination and courage despite his painful wounds, he bravely continued to deliver effective fire and inflict numerous casualties on the enemy. Staff Sergeant Blocker’s aggressive and daring actions throughout were an inspiration to all who observed him and contributed directly to the defeat of the enemy. By his courageous actions, outstanding initiative and unswerving devotion to duty, Staff Sergeant Blocker upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.