The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Steven J. Dougherty (MCSN: 2356913), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Squad Leader with Company C, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in connection with military operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 7 July 1968, during an attack against a large North Vietnamese Army force near Hill 689 south of Khe Sanh, Company C sustained numerous casualties, including Corporal Dougherty’s platoon commander. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, Corporal Dougherty immediately assumed command of the platoon and began to re-deploy his besieged squads. Ignoring the hostile rounds impacting hear him, he fearlessly moved about the fire-swept terrain, shouting words of encouragement to his men and directing their fire against the enemy soldiers. When his company was ordered to withdraw to a more advantageous position, Corporal Dougherty repeatedly exposed himself to the intense hostile fire while calmly coordinating the evacuation of casualties with the tactical displacement of his squads. Skillfully establishing his men in their assigned night defensive positions, he continued his determined efforts throughout the night while directing his men in inflicting numerous casualties on the enemy force. His bold initiative and heroic actions inspired all who observed him and contributed immeasurably to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his courage, aggressive leadership and steadfast devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Corporal Dougherty upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.