The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Andrew Leroy Grignon (MCSN: 2253368), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as the 60-mm. Mortar Section Leader with Company C, First Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the afternoon of 23 February 1968, when the Khe Sanh Combat Base came under heavy mortar, rocket and artillery fire, a rocket round landed in an ammunition pit forty meters from Corporal Grignon’s mortar emplacement, igniting the ammunition and causing secondary explosions. Rapidly assessing the situation, Corporal Grignon picked up a filled sandbag and unhesitatingly moved across the fire-swept area to the burning ammunition pit. Undaunted by the blaze and fragments from exploding ordnance, he fearlessly remained in his exposed position, cut open the sandbag and poured dirt on the fire. He then continued throwing dirt from the surrounding area on the blaze and moved into the pit to throw burning ammunition boxes away from the remaining ordnance. Ignoring the hostile rounds impacting around him, he steadfastly continued to fight the fire until it was extinguished. His prompt and fearless actions prevented further destruction of vital ammunition supplies and greatly minimized the danger Marines in the area. By his courage, bold initiative and selfless devotion to duty at great personal risk, Corporal Grignon inspired all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.