The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Clifford Robert Dunning (MCSN: 0-81620), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in armed conflict against the Communist insurgent forces in the Republic of Vietnam on 18 November 1967. As advisor to the Vietnamese Commandos and Intelligence Squad in the enemy infested Rung Sat Special Zone, Captain Dunning assisted in planning an operation against a large Viet Cong force which had attacked a United States merchant ship and withdrawn approximately 1,000 meters from the river bank. Captain Dunning developed a plan to interdict and thwart the enemy before they could make good their escape. He and the Vietnamese Commandos embarked in three helicopters, which were unable to land in the area of operations. Captain Dunning and the Vietnamese Commandos jumped into two feet of swampy water and thick underbrush from the helicopters which were hovering 12 feet above the ground. After trudging through knee-deep water and six inches of mud for 200 meters, Captain Dunning and the Vietnamese Commandos contacted the enemy. During the ensuing fire fight, Captain Dunning completely disregarded his own personal safety and fearlessly moved from position to position, in direct line of enemy fire, encouraging the men to inflict accurate and suppressive fire. When the battle temporarily abated, friendly forces moved forward and captured numerous weapons and supplies, including two heavy recoilless rifles. A short distance to the east, an air strike was taking place against 30 fleeing Viet Cong. Captain Dunning alertly spotted a charging Viet Cong soldier who was counterattacking. At a distance of 15 meters, Captain Dunning fired a burst from his machine gun which killed the Viet Cong. His quick reaction in killing this dangerous enemy prevented probable casualties to the Vietnamese Commandos, who had not observed the approaching Viet Cong. The air strike terminated, Captain Dunning observed that more Viet Cong were approaching and advised the Vietnamese Commander that contact was imminent. Another heavy engagement commenced, in which the Vietnamese Commandos fought with skill and daring. Captain Dunning resolutely and heroically exposed himself to enemy fire as he assisted the embattled Vietnamese Commandos. With great fortitude and intrepidity, he personally led a charge against the enemy’s positions, moving across the field of battle directly into a hail of automatic weapons fire. As he advanced, a smoke grenade fell from an overhead helicopter and struck him on his back. Although painfully wounded, Captain Dunning continued to lead the attack until the enemy forces had been vanquished. He provided advice and assistance in establishing a night defensive perimeter and personally maintained a constant vigil throughout the night to ensure that the sentries were alert and battle ready. Captain Dunning exhibited initiative and extreme courage throughout this engagement with a numerically superior and well armed enemy force. His personal example, heroic actions, and deep concern for the outnumbered Vietnamese Commanders inspired them to aggressively rout the enemy. He was directly instrumental in the killing of a large number of Viet Cong and the capture of large quantities of weapons and supplies. Captain Dunning’s outstanding professionalism, sense of responsibility and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.