The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Howard A. Christy (MCSN: 0-69814), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as the Company Commander of Company A, First Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in connection with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 21 May 1966, Captain Christy’s company was engaged in a search and clear operation in the vicinity of Thai Cam (3) near DaNang when an adjacent Marine unit established contact with an estimated squad of Viet Cong and drove them across a river into Company A’s Tactical Area of Responsibility, approximately 2,500 meters from the company’s location. After Captain Christy deployed a platoon by helicopter to engage the enemy, it came under heavy enemy fire from a numerically superior Viet Cong force, larger than anticipated. Upon learning that the Marines had encountered an estimated company-size force, Captain Christy immediately committed his two remaining platoons, utilizing amphibian vehicles and tanks to move his men to the area of the fire fight. The quick response of the platoon and the converging axis of attack permitted rapid contact with the enemy, preventing the Viet Cong from escaping and forcing them to remain and fight. Exhibiting exceptional tactical skill and leadership, Captain Christy effectively maneuvered his company through the heavy volume of 60-mm mortar, 57-mm. recoilless rifle and small arms fire in an aggressive assault on the enemy positions. In addition to his organic weapons, he skillfully directed fire support from tanks, fixed wing aircraft and armed helicopters which required a high degree of coordination to prevent casualties to friendly troops. With uncommon courage and complete disregard for his own safety, he skillfully led two platoons against the enemy at close range, often in hand-to-hand combat. Undaunted by the intense fire around him, Captain Christy directed and encouraged his men and inspired them to continue their fierce assault which resulted in an almost complete annihilation of a reinforced Viet Cong company. As a result of this successful action, fifty-three Viet Cong were confirmed killed. In addition, numerous weapons and equipment were confiscated which included a 609-mm. mortar, three crew-served machine guns, pieces of a 57-mm. recoilless rifle, twenty individual weapons and a large amount of mortar ammunition, grenades and other military equipment. By his uncommon leadership, courageous action and selfless devotion to duty at great personal risk, Captain Christy contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission and thereby upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.