The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Jerome Francis Cain (MCSN: 2361727), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Crewman with Company B, Fifth Tank Battalion, FIRST Marine Division, in connection with military operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the evening of 15 June 1968, while occupying a defensive position near the village of Ngan Cau (1) in Quang Nam Province, elements of Company B were suddenly assaulted by a large North Vietnamese Army force. During the ensuing fire fight, Private First Class Cain’s tank was damaged and the driver was wounded by several anti-tank rockets which impacted on the vehicle. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, he unhesitatingly entered the tank and immediately applied first aid to the injured Marine. Completing treatment of his wounded comrade, he began directing a heavy volume of accurate fire on the enemy forces with the tank’s 90-mm. gun and its two machine guns. Fearlessly exposing himself to the hostile fire, he quickly supplied Marines pinned down outside the tank with critically needed weapons and ammunition. When the turret was damaged from a hostile anti-tank rocket, he rapidly moved the .30 caliber machine gun to a position dangerously exposed to the enemy fire, resolutely continuing to fire the weapon and throw hand grenades upon the enemy force. His heroic actions and determined efforts inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in forcing the enemy to flee in panic and confusion. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and steadfast devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Private First Class Cain upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.