The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant George William Glaenzer (MCSN: 2065302), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company C, 3d Reconnaissance Battalion, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, near Dong Ha, Republic of Vietnam. During the period 12 to 14 January 1967, Sergeant Glaenzer was the patrol leader of an eight man reconnaissance team operating deep in Viet Cong controlled territory with the mission of determining the extent of enemy activity in his reconnaissance zone. From the time of insertion it was obvious that the enemy had occupied the area in great strength and were in the process of building extensive fortifications and shelters. Exhibiting exceptional professional skill, Sergeant Glaenzer maneuvered his patrol into the midst of this activity, plotting bunkers and trails while escaping detection by the enemy. On 13 January, when Sergeant Glaenzer and a comrade moved forward of the remainder of the patrol to investigate an enemy fortified position, they were fired upon by a sizeable enemy force using automatic weapons. Displaying a high degree of personal courage and composure, he broke contact after killing at least one of the enemy and reorganized his patrol for withdrawal to an area from which he could call in artillery fire on the enemy position. Throughout the night and early morning, Sergeant Glaenzer, from a concealed position, adjusted over one hundred and twenty rounds of artillery fire on the frantically searching enemy. At dawn, suspecting that his position was about to be located, he moved his patrol to a nearby hill and continued to call in fire on the enemy as they were in the process of assaulting his recently evacuated position. Later in the morning, his patrol came under intense small arms and automatic weapons fire from a platoon size enemy force killing one member and wounding another of his patrol. With professional skill he evacuated the patrol to secure a landing zone for incoming retraction helicopters. Leaving two men in the landing zone he led an assault on the hill and recovered the body of his fallen comrade. In large measure due to his resourcefulness, skill and calm courage against overwhelming odds, the patrol gathered valuable intelligence information which was instrumental in the eventual destruction of a sizeable enemy force. Sergeant Glaenzer’s initiative and devotion to duty throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.