The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant William Henry Head, Jr. (MCSN: 1973115), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Sergeant with Company B, First Battalion, Third Marines, 9th Marine Amphibious Brigade, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 17 August 1967, during Operation BEACON GATE/COCHISE, Staff Sergeant Head was in command of a reinforced squad defending a combat outpost in Quang Tin Province. In the early morning hours, the Marines were suddenly attacked by a numerically superior North Vietnamese Army force which had advanced dangerously close to the friendly lines. As the attack commenced, Staff Sergeant Head alerted his squad and fearlessly moved to a vantage point from which he could more effectively direct their fire. In the ensuing engagement, the squad sustained numerous casualties and its perimeter was penetrated by the attacking force. Realizing that his position was untenable and that there were numerous men wounded, Staff Sergeant Head threw several grenades at the enemy while simultaneously directing his men to evacuate the wounded to covered positions on the reverse slope of the hill. Then, assured that his injured Marines were safe, he returned to the top of the hill with two men, rallied two additional Marines and skillfully launched an aggressive counterattack. Under his determined leadership, the Marines overran the enemy positions, inflicting heavy casualties and forcing the North Vietnamese to abandon their dead comrades and flee in panic and confusion. His superb imitative and professionalism were instrumental in the defeat of a large enemy force and undoubtedly saved the lives of several Marines. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and selfless devotion to duty at great personal risk, Staff Sergeant Head inspired all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.