The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lance Corporal Brian L. Colby (MCSN: 2261912), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company F, Second Battalion, attached to the Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in the Republic of Vietnam, on 28 February 1967. Company F was conducting a search and destroy mission when the lead platoon began receiving sniper fire. Immediately, Lance Corporal Colby brought his machine gun forward and covered the platoon with fire as it deployed to pursue the enemy. His initial bursts of accurate fire quickly silenced the sniper. The lead elements of the platoon broke out of the dense cane field that they were sweeping through and almost instantly came under vicious machine gun and sniper fire from heavily fortified bunkers. The enemy fire raked the open area, inflicting four casualties. Aggressively and instantaneously, Lance Corporal Colby raced into the open area, fired from the shoulder, and silenced one sniper. Completely exposed to the enemy and with full knowledge of the personal risks involved, he continued further out into the open area, in order to be able to bring more effective fire against the enemy bunkers. As he positioned his machine gun and commenced firing, he was struck by enemy gunfire and mortally wounded. Lance Corporal Colby’s courage, initiative and valiant fighting spirit in the face of the vicious enemy fire served to inspire all who observed him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.