The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Malcom W. Creelman (MCSN: 2393161), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Rifleman with Company H, Second Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the evening of 18 September 1968, while moving to a night patrol base, Private First Class Creelman’s five-man patrol came under intense enemy fire and sustained three casualties, including the patrol leader. Reacting instantly, Private First Class Creelman took charge of the situation and, shouting encouragement to his companions, directed a heavy volume of steady rifle fire at the enemy while he simultaneously reported the attack to the company command post and requested fire support and a medical evacuation helicopter. With complete disregard for his own safety, he remained in a dangerously exposed forward position and directed mortar fire on the hostile positions until the enemy soldiers broke contact and withdrew from the area. Then, Private First Class Creelman directed the medical evacuation helicopter into a small landing zone and, although suffering fragmentation wounds to the back, carried his wounded companions aboard the aircraft. Before boarding the helicopter himself, he crossed the open terrain again and searched the patrol base to ensure that no weapons or equipment had been left behind. His heroic actions were an inspiration to all who served with him and undoubtedly saved the lives of several of his fellow Marines. By his courage, bold initiative, and selfless devotion to duty a great personal risk, Private First Class Creelman upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.