The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Joseph L. Byrne, Jr. (MCSN: 2116537), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company I, Third Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against forces of the North Vietnamese Army in the Republic of Vietnam on 20 July 1966. During Operation HASTINGS, Private First Class Byrne was the ammunition carrier in a machine gun squad in the second platoon. While on a platoon-size combat patrol, with the assigned mission of searching a possible landing zone, Private First Class Byrne’s squad came under a heavy volume of intense enemy automatic weapons fire. His squad leader was immediately hit and fell into the direct fire land of the enemy weapon. Without hesitation and with total disregard for his own personal safety, Private First Class Byrne courageously went to the aid of his squad leader while the enemy weapon continued to fire. He fell mortally wounded while attempting the rescue of his squad leader. By his daring action and loyal devotion to duty, Private First Class Byrne reflected great credit upon himself and the Marine Corps and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.