The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Barry Neal Bost (MCSN: 2315872), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Rifleman with Company A, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the morning of 17 May 1968, during Operation ALLEN BROOK, elements of Company A were conducting a search and destroy operation near the village of Le Bac (2) in Quang Nam Province when the Marines suddenly came under intense small arms, automatic weapons and mortar fire from a large North Vietnamese Army force. During an ensuing assault on an enemy held tree line, several men were wounded, including Corporal Bost. Despite his painful injuries, he boldly stood up and directed a heavy volume of fire at the enemy positions. After expending all of his ammunition, he fearlessly rushed across the fire-swept terrain to within ten meters of the hostile emplacements and accurately hurled three hand grenades into the positions, killing three soldiers. Steadfastly remaining in his exposed position, he continued throwing grenades, which pinned down the enemy soldiers and enabled his comrades to evacuate several injured men. His heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Corporal Bost upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.