The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Donald Ray Gardner (MCSN: 0-79807), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company C, Third Reconnaissance Battalion, THIRD Marine Division, on 22 August 1966, in connection with military operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. While leading a reconnaissance element, attached to Company G, Second Battalion, Third Marines, deep within enemy controlled territory in the Dong Lam Mountains during Operation ALLEGHENY, Captain Gardner’s patrol came under intense enemy automatic weapons fire from a ridge line, temporarily pinning down the reconnaissance forces and a rifle platoon from Company G in a stream bed. The entire patrol received heavy automatic weapons fire and hand grenades from close range. With complete disregard for his own safety, Captain Gardner continuously exposed himself to hostile fire to direct members of his unit to the most advantageous firing positions. With selfless courage, he moved through heavy fire across a stream to evacuate a wounded Marine to a covered position. When the enemy attempted to flank his position, he led two of his men, under fire, to meet the flanking enemy, successfully neutralizing the attack and killing several Viet Cong. During this action, he was wounded by an enemy grenade. By his heroic actions, initiative, outstanding professional leadership and loyal devotion to duty in the face of deadly enemy fire, Captain Garner undoubtedly saved the life of the wounded Marine, preserved the integrity of his unit and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.