The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Edward Meril Hall (MCSN: 2403963), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Rifleman with Company A, First Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 18 August 1968, Private First Class Hall, accompanied by another Marine, was manning a listening post several meters in front of Company A’s night defensive position south of Phu Bai, when he alertly observed approximately twenty North Vietnamese Army soldiers advancing toward his position. Dispatching his companion to warn the Company of the approaching enemy, he fearlessly remained in the hazardous area and continued his surveillance of the hostile force. When sighted by the enemy and fired upon, Private First Class Hall returned fire, but was unable to halt the advance of the numerically superior hostile unit, and his position was overrun. Wounded three times and left for dead, he retrieved his weapon and, despite his painful injuries, turned on the passing North Vietnamese and killed two enemy soldiers who were attempting to rejoin their comrades after stripping him of his valuables. His heroic and unhesitating actions forced the hostile unit to disclose its position before a surprise assault could be launched against the Marine unit. By his courage, resolute determination and unwavering devotion to duty, Private First Class Hall inspired all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.