The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Warren Hardy, Jr. (MCSN: 2171504), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Crew Chief with the First Armored Amphibian Company, attached to Company E, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in the Republic of Vietnam on 15 June 1967. During Operation ARIZONA, Corporal Hardy was accompanying the First Platoon of Company E on a sweep through enemy territory. The platoon came under heavy fire from a large North Vietnamese Army force, which was utilizing heavy automatic weapons, rockets and mortars. He immediately took a position on top of his tractor and began to direct the driver through the pinned-down Marines toward the front. He pulled into an open area, forward of the lines, in order to draw fire away from some of the wounded Marines, who were lying exposed to the enemy fire. While completely open to the hostile fire and disregarding his own safety, Corporal Hardy manned the vehicle’s .50-caliber machine gun and delivered accurate and devastating fire into the enemy positions. He continued firing until he fell, mortally wounded. His heroic actions saved the lives of several Marines and inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy. By his bold initiative, resolute courage and unwavering devotion to duty, Corporal Hardy upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.