The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant Philip Howard Sauer (MCSN: 0-93419), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with 1st Battalion, Ninth Marines, 3d Marine Division (Reinforced), FMF, in the Republic of Vietnam on 24 April 1967. While on a reconnaissance patrol of Hill 861, First Lieutenant Sauer’s five-man squad was suddenly ambushed by murderous enemy fire from well-placed enemy bunkers and trenches, immediately killing the point man. Realizing his squad was engaged with a superior enemy force, First Lieutenant Sauer ordered his squad to withdraw while he provided covering fire with only his personal sidearm. He was last seen holding his position in the face of overwhelming enemy fire. First Lieutenant Sauer’s bold action, courage under fire, and complete devotion to duty, reflected great credit upon him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.