The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Jerry David Chase (MCSN: 0-95902), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company I, Third Battalion, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on 24 March 1967. While engaged in a search and clear mission in the vicinity of Cam Lo in Quang Tri Province, the lead platoon of Company I was entering a village complex when they suddenly came under intense enemy mortar, grenade, small arms and automatic weapons fire from well concealed, heavily-fortified bunkers, fighting holes and a network of trench line positions. Observing a North Vietnamese Army force attempting to outflank his unit, Second Lieutenant Chase, displaying exceptional tactical skill and leadership, quickly deployed his platoon on line in an attempt to reinforce the lead platoon. Immediately subjected to a heavy volume of enemy fire, his platoon was halted and two casualties were sustained. Observing his wounded men exposed to the concentrated hostile fire and within grenade distance of the enemy positions, Second Lieutenant Chase, with complete disregard for his own safety, courageously ran to the wounded Marines and provided protection for them by throwing grenades and firing his weapon at the enemy. Inspired by his fearless actions, which temporarily suppressed the enemy fire, his platoon began delivering such a heavy volume of fire on the hostile force that fire superiority was gained long enough for the wounded men to be evacuated to relatively secure positions. Returning to his platoon, he skillfully maneuvered his men into effective firing positions and directed accurate fire on the enemy. During the ensuing fire fight, two additional Marines were wounded and fell in positions exposed to the hostile fire. Although the platoons were being withdrawn in preparation for an air strike, Second Lieutenant Chase unhesitatingly ran to aid his wounded men. Taking their grenades, and with complete disregard for his personal safety, he fearlessly assaulted the enemy bunkers, destroying them and killing four North Vietnamese. When his platoon again achieved fire superiority, the wounded men were safely evacuated. In large measure due to Second Lieutenant Chase’s courageous actions, the enemy positions were destroyed with fifteen enemy confirmed killed and ten probably killed. By his heroic efforts, uncommon leadership and selfless devotion to duty at great personal risk, Second Lieutenant Chase upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.