The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal David E. Frenier (MCSN: 2517744), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Assistant Platoon Commander of Combined Action Platoon 1-3-2, III Marine Amphibious Force in connection with combat operations of 8 May 1970, while in the Republic of Vietnam. During the early morning hours of 8 May 1970, while Corporal Frenier’s platoon occupied a night defensive position adjacent to the village of An Diem in the Binh Son District of Quang Ngai Province, the Marines and popular Forces soldiers came under a vicious ground attack from a numerically superior North Vietnamese Army force comprised of approximately 150 soldiers, supported by intense automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenade fire. Reacting instantly, Corporal Frenier quickly assessed the tactical situation. Realizing that the size of the hostile unit presented his platoon could well become untenable; he requested supporting illumination and artillery fire. Finding that the terrain features prevented him from adequately observing hostile enemy targets, he unhesitatingly left his bunker and ran across the fire-swept terrain to a high point from which he could better observe the area. Although he thus became a target for concentrated hostile fire, he resolutely maintained his dangerously exposed vantage point and calmly adjusted supporting fire with skillful precision, momentarily blunting the impetus of the hostile assault. Returning to the defensive perimeter, he fearlessly moved from one position to another to encourage his men, ascertain their welfare and ensure that all possible avenues of enemy advance were adequately covered by fire. Having noted that some fighting emplacements were becoming short of ammunition, he rushed through the hostile fusillade toward the command post to secure additional supplies but, en route, was seriously wounded in the knee. Despite suffering intense pain, he steadfastly continued to his objective, secured the required ammunition, and, in full view of the enemy soldiers, returned to the defensive perimeter to ensure the re-supply of all positions. Throughout the ensuing protracted battle, he repeatedly disregarded his own safety as he continually traversed the hazardous area to ensure a vigorous defense against the fanatical attackers. By his courage, aggressive leadership, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, Corporal Frenier contributed significantly to the defeat of the enemy and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.