The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lance Corporal Shalor Copeland, II (MCSN: 2307499), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Machine Gunner with Company B, First Battalion, Third Marines, Ninth Marine Amphibious Brigade, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 17 August 1967, during Operation BEACON GATE/COCHISE in Quang Tin Province, Lance Corporal Copeland’s squad was defending a combat outpost when it was suddenly assaulted by a numerically superior North Vietnamese Army force. Disregarding his own safety, Lance Corporal Copeland repeatedly exposed himself to the intense enemy fire to deliver a heavy volume of machine gun fire at the enemy. In the ensuing engagement, an enemy grenade exploded in his position, killing the machine gun team leader and wounding two other Marines, including Lance Corporal Copeland. Subsequently, the perimeter was penetrated and the Marines evacuated their casualties to a covered position on the reverse slope of the hill. Despite his painful injuries, Lance Corporal Copeland steadfastly picked up his wounded companion and his machine gun and began moving across the fire-swept terrain. En route to the secondary position, he encountered eight enemy soldiers and killed them with accurate machine gun fire. His resolute determination and sincere concern for the welfare of his comrade inspired all who observed him and saved the life of the wounded Marine. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and selfless devotion to duty at great personal risk, Lance Corporal Copeland upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.