The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Joel E. Graves (MCSN: 2451592), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Radio Operator with Company B, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 3 May 1969, while engaged in a search and clear operation near the village of Chau-Phong (1) in Quang Nam Province, Corporal Graves’ platoon came under a heavy volume of fire from a Viet Cong force concealed in a nearby tree line. The initial volley was so intense that it damaged Corporal Graves’ radio. Reacting instantly to this adversity, Corporal Graves unhesitatingly seized the initiative and, rallying his companions, fearlessly led an aggressive attack against the enemy position, killing one of the hostile soldiers during the assault. As the Marines gained the tree line, they were subjected to a devastating hand grenade attack. Although seriously wounded in the arm during this action, Corporal Graves, shouting encouragement and exhortations to his comrades, boldly plunged into the jungle growth where, in a fierce fire fight at close quarters, he killed a second hostile soldier and captured a third. His heroic actions and valiant initiative, despite suffering intense pain, inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in defeating a determined Viet Cong element. By his indomitable courage, superb leadership, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, Corporal Graves upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.