The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lance Corporal Melvin R. Callahan (MCSN: 2105660), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company A, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in the Republic of Vietnam. During the early morning hours of 30 October 1965, Company A came under attack by 300 to 400 insurgent communist (Viet Cong) guerrillas. Manning a position which bore the brunt of the fierce attack, Lance Corporal Callahan was wounded early in the battle by shell fragments in the face. Courageously disregarding his painful wounds, he resolutely held his ground, inflicting numerous casualties on the enemy. Later, when his position was overrun, Lance Corporal Callahan fought his way through the enemy in order to reach an alternate position. Moving through intense hostile fire, he continued to inflict severe damage on the attacking force. Upon reaching his new position, Lance Corporal Callahan observed a seriously wounded Marine in an exposed area. With complete disregard for his personal safety and continuing to disregard his own wound, he crawled to the side of his stricken comrade, administered first aid and moved him to a safe area, undoubtedly saving the man’s life. As the fighting continued, Lance Corporal Callahan repeated his heroic acts as he defiantly exposed himself in order to move other wounded Marines to safety. By his courageous actions, combative spirit and inspiring devotion to duty in the face of grave personal risk, Lance Corporal Callahan upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.