The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Elvin W. Gose (MCSN: 2357960), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company E, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, Ninth Marine Amphibious Brigade, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the afternoon of 18 March 1968, during a battalion attack against elements of three North Vietnamese Army battalions in the fortified village of Vinh Quan Thuong in Quang Tri Province, Private First Class Gose volunteered to serve as an Assistant Machine Gunner and maneuvered through the intense enemy small arms fire to his assault position. When the assault commenced, one of the squads was temporarily pinned down by heavy enemy fire from a bunker to its front, wounding the machine gunner. Completely ignoring the danger to his own life, Private First Class Gose unhesitatingly picked up the machine gun and charged the position, firing as he ran. Although he was mortally wounded during the assault, he killed two enemy defenders, enabling his companions to continue their advance into the village. By his courage, bold initiative and selfless devotion to duty, Private First Class Gose upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.