The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Bruce W. Harrison (MCSN: 2226354), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Squad Leader with Company L, Third Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. During the early morning hours of 24 February 1969, Corporal Harrison’s squad was participating in a platoon-sized ambush near the Laotian border when he was advised of the approach of a North Vietnamese Army platoon. Reacting instantly, he was moving toward another fighting position to alert his men when he was seriously wounded by machine gun fire which rendered him unable to walk. Observing a wounded companion fall in a dangerously exposed position, Corporal Harrison ignored his painful injury and, crawling to his companion, dragged him to a place of relative security. During the ensuing fierce fire-fight, Corporal Harrison completely disregarded his own safety as he crawled painfully from one Marine position to another, shouting words of encouragement to his men and directing their suppressive fire against the hostile unit. Steadfastly refusing medical attention, he resolutely continued his determined efforts until the enemy onslaught had been repelled. His heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in his unit’s killing seven North Vietnamese Army soldiers. By his courage, valiant leadership and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, Corporal Harrison contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.