The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lance Corporal Wayne C. Erpelding (MCSN: 2143564), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Machine Gunner with Company B, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the evening of 9 February 1968, Lance Corporal Erpelding’s platoon was clearing the enemy from a congested area in the city of Hue. Suddenly, the platoon came under a heavy volume of enemy automatic weapons and mortar fire. The initial burst of fire wounded six Marines, and the continued intensity of the hostile fire prevented the evacuation of casualties. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, Lance Corporal Erpelding unhesitatingly left his covered position and, with complete disregard for his own safety, exposed himself to the enemy fire while moving to the center of the street. Ignoring the hostile fire, he fearlessly stood in full view of the enemy to divert their attention and fire away from the medical evacuation teams. Skillfully employing his machine gun, Lance Corporal Erpelding directed a heavy volume of accurate fire against the hostile emplacements. Alertly observing an enemy soldier in a tree, he quickly shifted his fire and killed the sniper. On three separate occasions, when his machine gun malfunctioned, he calmly initiated immediate action, rapidly restored his weapon to operation and continued to provide covering fire from the center of the street, which enabled his unit to move the casualties 300 meters to a position of relative safety without sustaining further casualties. His fearless actions and sincere concern for the welfare of his comrades were an inspiration to all who observed him and contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his exceptional courage, aggressive fighting spirit and selfless devotion to duty in the face of extreme personal danger, Lance Corporal Erpelding upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.