The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Earl William Henderson (MCSN: 0-93935), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Executive Officer of Company E, Second Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 6 April 1968, First Lieutenant Henderson’s unit was assigned the mission of evacuating a mortally wounded Marine from a location within enemy controlled territory. Upon arriving in the designated area, the Marines immediately came under intense mortar and artillery fire. In the initial moments of the attack, the unit sustained several casualties, including the commanding officer. Reacting instantly, First Lieutenant Henderson unhesitatingly assumed command of the company and, positioning himself with the lead elements, skillfully maneuvered the Marines into a heavily forested area to search for the casualty. Suddenly, an enemy explosive device detonated and wounded seven Marines, including First Lieutenant Henderson, who suffered the loss of both legs. Despite his painful injuries, he resolutely maintained control of his unit until he was moved to the medical evacuation landing zone. While awaiting evacuation, he continued to disregard his own injuries to ensure that the other wounded Marines were treated. By his courage, superb leadership and selfless devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, First Lieutenant Henderson inspired all who served with him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.