The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant William G. Gandy (MCSN: 2083735), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Noncommissioned Officer in Charge of Mobile Training Team 1-1, First Combined Action Group, Third Marine Amphibious Force in connection with military operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On the evening of 24 May 1968, Staff Sergeant Gandy was Assistant Patrol Leader of a combined Marine and Popular Forces unit which had established an ambush in the vicinity of Tam Ky in Quang Tin Province. When a large enemy force suddenly entered the area, the patrol rapidly detonated claymore mines and delivered intense small arms fire, quickly killing several hostile soldiers who were leading the column. Alertly observing the enemy regrouping and preparing to launch an attack against the patrol, Staff Sergeant Gandy unhesitatingly stood erect and commenced directing a heavy volume of fire at the attacking force. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, he then directed the Marines and Popular Forces soldiers to withdraw approximately seventy meters to a more defensible position. While providing covering fire for his comrades, he sustained a serious wound and his rifle malfunctioned. Ignoring his painful injury and with complete disregard for his own safety, Staff Sergeant Gandy fearlessly assaulted the advancing enemy force and rapidly killed five hostile soldiers in hand-to-hand combat. Continuing his determined attack, he boldly rushed into the midst of the enemy, forcing them to flee in panic and confusion and enabling his comrades to reach a position of relative safety. Rejoining his unit, he steadfastly refused medical evacuation until supporting arms fire had completely routed the enemy soldiers. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of extreme personal danger, Staff Sergeant Gandy inspired all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.