The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Gunnery Sergeant Arthur Lee Fitzgerald (MCSN: 663891), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Company Gunnery Sergeant of Company E, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 3 June 1967, during Operation Union, the leading elements of Gunnery Sergeant Fitzgerald’s company came under intense small arms and automatic weapons fire from an undetermined number of North Vietnamese Regulars. In the initial burst of fire, two Marines were wounded and fell in an open area. Unhesitatingly Gunnery Sergeant Fitzgerald exposed himself to enemy fire to move to an unprotected position and delivered a heavy volume of accurate fire on the enemy, enabling the wounded to be moved to a secure area for evacuation. Before the wounded could be evacuated, however, the North Vietnamese launched a vicious mortar attack which inflicted additional Marine casualties. Disregarding his own safety, he assisted in moving the wounded out of the hazardous area to a secure landing zone. While assisting his companions, he was seriously wounded by enemy mortar fragments. Steadfastly refusing medical assistance, he continued to aid his wounded comrades until, weakened from the loss of blood, he lost consciousness and was evacuated. His courageous actions under fire and sincere concern for his fellow Marines were an inspiration to all who observed him and were instrumental is saving the lives of several Marines. By his courage, inspiring leadership and selfless devotion to duty, Gunnery Sergeant Fitzgerald upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.