The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Randolph Dennis Fassett (MCSN: 1963302), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Sergeant with Company I, Third Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 20 July 1966, during Operation Hastings, Sergeant Fassett’s platoon was assigned to reinforce another unit which had been ambushed in a valley by an overwhelming North Vietnamese force. While advancing approximately 600 meters to the position of the besieged unit, Sergeant Fassett’s platoon was subjected to withering automatic weapons, small arms and mortar fire. As his platoon deployed to provide security for evacuation helicopters, Sergeant Fassett was assisting with the transfer of casualties when he was seriously wounded in the neck, back and arms. Undaunted by the fact that his extensive wounds made any movement of his arms extremely painful; he gallantly continued to lead his unit through the continuing enemy fire. With professionalism and indomitable courage, he led his men in an assault which completely routed the enemy and resulted in the capture of numerous automatic weapons and mortars. Despite his suffering, Sergeant Fassett stalwartly refused to be evacuated until other casualties had been cared for. His bold initiative and determination throughout the engagement was a source of inspiration and motivation for all with whom he served, and contributed in large measure to the decisive defeat of the North Vietnamese force. By his extraordinary courage in the face of hostile fire, perseverance under the most trying circumstances and unfaltering dedication to duty, Sergeant Fassett upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.