The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Fred Grant Henson, Jr. (MCSN: 2175080), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Machine Gun Squad Leader with Company I, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division in connection with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 21 April 1967, Corporal Henson’s company was helilifted into the Que Son Valley in the vicinity of Nui Loc Son to reinforce another Marine company which had sustained numerous casualties and was pinned down by an estimated battalion size enemy force. As his company launched an attack against the right flank of the numerically superior enemy, it came under intense small arms and mortar fire. Undaunted, the Marines continued their assault, advancing on the entrenched enemy positions. In the ensuing fire fight, Corporal Henson’s platoon sergeant was wounded as he led his platoon across an exposed rice paddy. Displaying exceptional initiative and courage, Corporal Henson unhesitatingly assumed command of the Marines in his area and led them into the tree line. Rallying his men and shouting words of encouragement, he continued forward, penetrating enemy positions and killing at least four Viet Cong. With complete disregard for his own safety, Corporal Henson fearlessly exposed himself to hostile fire as he deployed his unit and established a defensive perimeter for the night. His aggressive leadership and bold fighting were instrumental in saving numerous Marine lives and contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his resolute courage, initiative and selfless devotion to duty in the face of extreme danger, Corporal Henson upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.