The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Joseph Eugene Hemingway (MCSN: 2114023), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Sergeant with Company H, Second Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 16 November 1966, while conducting a search and clear operation in Quang Tri Province, Sergeant Hemingway’s platoon received intense small arms and heavy automatic weapons fire from enemy positions located in front of and on both sides of his unit. Immediately determining the source of the heavy fire, Sergeant Hemingway organized and led a squad size assault on the enemy’s position to their left flank. Although painfully wounded during the attack, he continued the assault until the position was destroyed. Returning to the main force, he quickly organized his forces and led them against the Viet Cong’s position to their front. After successfully neutralizing the emplacement, thus eliminating a deadly crossfire, he was able to maneuver his squad to overrun the enemy on the right flank, Throughout the engagement, he declined medical evacuation and, for the remainder of the fire fight, continued to effectively direct his men and aid in the evacuation of the casualties. His aggressiveness and selfless disregard for his own welfare were inspiring to all who observed him and contributed immeasurably in the accomplishment of the unit’s mission. By his exceptional leadership and professionalism, selfless bravery, and unfaltering devotion to duty, Sergeant Hemingway upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.