The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lance Corporal William Gordon Hatzfeld (MCSN: 2242155), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Fire Team Leader with Company M, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on 13 and 14 May 1967. During Operation Union, Lance Corporal Hatzfeld’s platoon was ordered to assist in securing an area occupied by Company K, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines. Almost immediately, the platoon was taken under intense enemy fire and sustained several casualties, including the platoon leader. Unhesitatingly, Lance Corporal Hatzfeld assumed the command of the platoon. With exceptional professional skill, he manned an M-60 machine gun and provided an accurate volume of covering fire, enabling his squad to evacuate the wounded to positions of relative safety. Displaying exceptional competence and leadership in a billet normally held by a Marine of higher rank, he supervised the preparation of his squad’s night defensive positions. During the night, the enemy launched a coordinated attack, utilizing mortar, machine gun and small arms fire, followed by a fierce assault. Although severely wounded in the head, shoulder and right leg during the initial mortar barrage, Lance Corporal Hatzfeld steadfastly remained with his squad, directing and controlling their fire. Refusing evacuation, he personally delivered accurate M-60 machine gun and M-79 grenade fire at the North Vietnamese, and only after the enemy’s assault had been repulsed, did he allow himself to be evacuated. His resolute determination and aggressive fighting spirit were instrumental in his squad killing eighty-three of the enemy. By his daring initiative, inspiring leadership and selfless devotion to duty, Lance Corporal Hatzfeld contributed immeasurably to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.