The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant Jerry Edward Gorney (MCSN: 0-93926), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Leader with Company A, First Battalion, Ninth Marines, in the Republic of Vietnam on 3 March 1967. During a search and clear operation against Viet Cong Forces in Quang Tri Province, Gio Linh District, an enemy force was observed in Company A’s area of operation and First Lieutenant Gorney’s platoon moved forward expeditiously to engage the enemy. As his unit moved to the objective, near the Demilitarized Zone, it was subjected to intense enemy small arms and automatic weapons fire. Despite the ever present enemy fire, he continued the forward momentum of the assault by continually moving well in advance of the lead element, calling words of encouragement and setting an example by his daring actions. He courageously led his platoon into the enemy position although the visibility was very limited due to the blazing, waist-high grass fires surrounding the area. First Lieutenant Gorney skillfully maneuvered one of his squads into a support position and, when it was evident that the assault would be terminated, he stood boldly upright in the face of the enemy, pistol in hand, encouraging his men onward. He then led the remaining two squads into a hail of enemy grenades and small arms fire to assault the enemy emplacements. First Lieutenant Gorney continued his daring actions throughout the assault of the relentless enemy’s positions. As a result of his superb leadership and dauntless efforts, the enemy forces were soundly defeated, having suffered great losses of personnel and equipment. By First Lieutenant Gorney’s tactful employment and placement of troops, not a single casualty was sustained. His bravery and dedication to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.