The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Gene H. Haga (MCSN: 0-108674), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company A, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the night of 29 May 1969, Second Lieutenant Haga established his platoon in an ambush site along a trail in Quang Nam Province approximately 500 meters from the company command post. Alerted later that night when a listening post along the main avenue of approach detonated claymore mines and engaged elements of an estimated North Vietnamese Army company, he immediately directed defensive measures. With complete disregard for his own safety, he fearlessly moved about the fire-swept terrain to direct the fire of his men, and to place them in firing positions from which they could more effectively meet the enemy assault. When the Marines became dangerously short of ammunition, Second Lieutenant Haga, undaunted by the hostile rounds impacting around him, boldly moved across the hazardous terrain to obtain ammunition from the casualties and redistribute it to each of the fighting positions. Wounded and knocked to the ground by hostile fire, he quickly recovered and refused medical attention as he shouted words of encouragement to his men and directed such aggressive actions that the North Vietnamese advance was halted. Informed that two platoons were moving to reinforce his unit, Second Lieutenant Haga, oblivious to his own painful injuries, skillfully coordinated the movement of the rescue unit to his position and then supervised and assisted in the movement of the casualties to a landing zone for medical evacuation. Not until his platoon had been reorganized and all the casualties evacuated would he allow himself to receive medical treatment and be evacuated. His heroic actions, superb leadership and aggressive fighting spirit inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in repelling the enemy attack. By his courage, bold initiative and unwavering devotion to duty at great personal risk, Second Lieutenant Haga upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.