The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Joseph Patrick Fields (MCSN: 2080918), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Squad Leader with Company E, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division in connection with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 19 December 1966, while participating in a search and clear operation near Phu Tay (1), Corporal Fields’ squad was assigned the mission of providing flank security as the company made an extremely hazardous river crossing. As his squad came within fifty meters of its objective, they were taken under withering automatic weapons fire from an entrenched Viet Cong squad which pinned down an entire platoon in open terrain and inflicted several casualties. Unhesitatingly and constantly exposed to the intense enemy fire, Corporal Fields moved among his men, directing their fire. With complete disregard for his own safety and displaying great professionalism, he rallied his squad and courageously led them across fifty meters of fire swept terrain. As they assaulted the trench line, their advance was momentarily slowed by Viet Cong hand grenades. At this point, Corporal Fields fearlessly moved forward, leaped into the trench and personally killed the enemy grenadier, enabling the squad to overrun the trench line. Quickly securing the objective and consolidating his position, Corporal Fields prepared for a counterattack and continued to inflict heavy losses on the fleeing enemy, pursuing them by fire. As a result of his heroic actions, Corporal Fields was instrumental in enabling his company to reach its objective with a minimum number of casualties, while his squad accounted for five enemy killed. Corporal Fields’ complete and selfless disregard for his own personal safety and intrepid leadership throughout the entire engagement were an inspiration to all who observed him and contributed significantly to the successful accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his uncommon leadership, fearless determination, and selfless devotion to duty, Corporal Fields upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.