The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant George J. Emberger (MCSN: 1336158), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Sergeant with Company L, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 5 April 1969, while crossing a river during a search and destroy operation south of DaNang in Quang Nam Province, Company L came under intense rocket, small arms, and automatic weapons fire from a well-entrenched hostile force on the far river bank, causing several casualties. Although seriously wounded during the initial burst of fire which rendered his platoon commander unconscious, Staff Sergeant Emberger quickly rallied his men, established defensive positions, and directed the delivery of return fire. Observing his platoon guide wounded and lying in a dangerously exposed position, he completely disregarded his own safety as he fearlessly moved to the side of his injured comrade and carried him to a relatively safe position. Undaunted by the hostile rounds impacting near him, he resolutely braved the heavy volume of enemy fire to assist in evacuating other casualties. Ignoring his own painful injury, he repeatedly exposed himself to the hostile force in order to attract the enemy fire, thereby enabling the wounded Marines to be safely extracted from the fire-swept area. Only after ensuring that all the casualties were cared for, would he allow himself to receive medical treatment and to be evacuated. By his courage, aggressive initiative and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Staff Sergeant Emberger inspired all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.