The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lance Corporal Patrick James Hanley (MCSN: 2443880), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Scout Sniper with Company E, Third Reconnaissance Battalion, THIRD Marine Division, in connection with military operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 7 June 1969, Lance Corporal Hanley’s seven-man reconnaissance team was inserted into hostile territory fourteen miles northwest of the Vandegrift Combat Base. After moving approximately 300 meters, the Marines encountered two North Vietnamese soldiers. Reacting instantly, Lance Corporal Hanley fired at both of the hostile soldiers and killed them before they were able to return fire. Boldly exposing himself to the possible danger of hostile fire, Lance Corporal Hanley, with the assistance of another Marine, moved the two enemy casualties to the team’s position where he searched them and recovered their weapons and valuable documents which identified one of the enemy as an officer. As the team began to move again, they encountered twenty North Vietnamese soldiers and, after a short fire fight, were able to successfully break contact, without sustaining casualties. Realizing that they were surrounded by enemy forces, the Marines began moving toward a landing zone for extraction, however, they again came under fire from a well-concealed hostile force and three men were wounded. Upon seeing the point man fall a few meters to the front of the team’s position, Lance Corporal Hanley fearlessly maneuvered across the fire-swept terrain to the side of his injured comrade and, using his own body to shield the casualty from the enemy rounds that were impacting nearby, skillfully administered first aid to the man’s severe wound. His heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him and contributed significantly to saving his companion’s life. By his courage, bold initiative and selfless devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Lance Corporal Hanley upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.