The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Otha Nathanael Hadnot (MCSN: 1868918), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company K, Third Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam on 5 September 1966. While participating in a joint search and clear operation with a Vietnamese Army unit, near DaNang, Staff Sergeant Hadnot’s platoon began receiving sporadic enemy rifle fire while advancing against the Viet Cong. When contact with the enemy was established, his unit was in the direct line of the enemy’s heaviest concentration of fire and was cut off from the other units. Expertly assessing the situation, he quickly moved his platoon to the relative safety of a nearby trenchline to avoid further casualties. Delivering a steady flow of M-79 grenades, automatic rifle fire and hand grenades on the isolated unit, the Viet Cong nearly encircled the platoon. Though wounded by a grenade explosion, Staff Sergeant Hadnot inspired his men by moving among them inside the trench line perimeter, giving commands and encouraging them to even greater efforts. He repeatedly exposed himself to the deadly enemy fire and was wounded a second time. Although in obvious pain, he courageously disregarded his own wounds to persist in encouraging his men until he was unable to move about. With the arrival of a relief force, he refused medical evacuation until the last wounded member of his platoon had received medical aid. By his heroic leadership, prompt action, and loyal devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, Staff Sergeant Hadnot upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.