The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lance Corporal Earl M. Deal (MCSN: 2351262), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Headquarters and Service Company, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On the morning of 18 January 1968, Lance Corporal Deal was participating in a mine clearing operation on National Route ONE south of Phu Loc when the Marines suddenly came under a heavy volume of small arms, automatic weapons and grenade launcher fire from a numerically superior Viet Cong force. In the initial moments of the attack several Marines were wounded, including Lance Corporal Deal. Ignoring his painful injuries, he unhesitatingly climbed into the back of a truck and began delivering a heavy volume of machine gun fire upon the hostile emplacements. When the weapon malfunctioned, he rapidly cleared it and continued to direct accurate suppressive fire upon the enemy positions, which enabled the casualties to be evacuated. His bold initiative and aggressive fighting spirit inspired all who observed him and was instrumental in routing the enemy force. By his courage, resolute determination and steadfast devotion to duty in the face of extreme personal danger, Lance Corporal Deal upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.