The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Roy L. Hammonds (MCSN: 2450003), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company L, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 4 January 1970, while participating in a search and destroy operation in the Que Son Mountain area of Quang Nam Province, Corporal Hammonds’ platoon came under fire from enemy soldiers occupying a base camp to its front and, during the initial moments of contact, the platoon commander was seriously wounded. Fearlessly leaving his relatively secure rear position, Corporal Hammonds quickly moved to the point of heaviest contact and, after rendering first aid to the wounded officer, unhesitatingly assumed command of the platoon. Determined to exploit the tactical situation to the maximum, he then led a squad of Marines on a search and destroy operation through the hostile base camp and had penetrated to the far side when his unit came under intense fire. Seizing the initiative, Corporal Hammonds boldly launched an aggressive assault against the enemy positions, the momentum of which forced the hostile soldiers to withdraw. While another squad pursued the retreating enemy, Corporal Hammonds deployed his men into advantageous positions and was directing covering fire when his unit again came under a heavy volume of enemy fire which inflicted several casualties. Heedless of the rounds impacting all around him, he rushed across the fire-swept terrain to the wounded Marines and, with complete disregard for his own safety, commenced rendering first aid. Because of his dangerously exposed location, he became a target for concentrated hostile action and was mortally wounded as he attempted to evacuate one of the casualties to a covered position. By his courage, aggressive leadership, and selfless devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, Corporal Hammonds inspired all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.