The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant William J. Vakos, Jr. (MCSN: 0-102848), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Commanding Officer of Company A, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 28 June 1969, Company A was conducting a search and destroy operation approximately thirteen miles south of DaNang. As the Marines crossed a river, they came under a heavy volume of small arms, automatic weapons, and rocket-propelled grenade fire from a large and well-concealed North Vietnamese Army force. Reacting instantly, First Lieutenant Vakos fearlessly maneuvered to a forward position to more accurately ascertain the situation. Locating the enemy emplacement, he skillfully directed accurate 60-mm. mortar fire upon the hostile unit, inflicting numerous casualties upon the enemy. During the night, the First Platoon’s sector of the company defensive perimeter came under a heavy enemy ground attack. Boldly moving throughout the hazardous area, First Lieutenant Vakos shouted instructions and encouraged his men as he ably directed their fire at the enemy, forcing the North Vietnamese Army unit to retreat. On the following day, Company K was proceeding toward its objective when the Third Platoon, maneuvering as the rear security, was temporarily pinned down by intense enemy fire. Undaunted by the hostile rounds impacting near him, First Lieutenant Vakos unhesitatingly maneuvered to the assistance of the beleaguered Marines and quickly deployed them into more tactically advantageous positions. Subsequently leading the remainder of his company in an aggressive assault against the hostile emplacements, he forced the North Vietnamese Army soldiers to withdraw. His heroic and timely actions and sincere concern for the welfare of his fellowman inspired all who observed him and contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his courage, determined leadership and unswerving devotion to duty in the face of extreme personal danger, First Lieutenant Vakos upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.