The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Jerrald Eugene Giles (MCSN: 0-77827), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Commanding Officer of Company K, Third Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 4 July 1967, during a search and clear mission north of Con Thien, the forward elements of Company K were pinned down by intense enemy automatic weapons and mortar fire and sustained numerous casualties. Unhesitatingly, Captain Giles fearlessly moved forward through the hostile fire to a vantage point from which he could best observe the enemy and control his company. Disregarding the constant enemy sniper and anti-tank fire directed at his command group, he quickly positioned his 60-mm. mortars and, after supervising their initial fire, led supporting tanks to a position where they delivered effective fire against the well entrenched enemy force. Constantly exposing himself to hostile fire, Captain Giles steadfastly continued to attack the enemy emplacements until he was ordered by higher authority to withdraw his company and thus permit airstrikes on the enemy. Selecting ten men to remain with him, he provided covering fire while his platoons moved 200 meters to a rear area. After being assured that all of his men, along with the casualties, had reached a place of relative safety, Captain Giles courageously moved through the fire-swept area and personally provided protective fire for his ten-man detail. His aggressiveness and outstanding professionalism were an inspiration to all who served with him and contributed immeasurably to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his steadfast courage, exemplary leadership and unswerving devotion to duty at great personal risk, Captain Giles upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.