The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Patrick E. Herlihy (MCSN: 2209977), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Squad Leader with Company D, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 29 August 1968, Private First Class Herlihy’s platoon was conducting a search and destroy operation near the village of Phu Bac (2) in Quang Nam Province when the unit came under intense enemy automatic weapons fire, pinning down the point and flank elements. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, he maneuvered through the heavy volume of fire and, accompanied by another Marine, assaulted five North Vietnamese soldiers attempting to outflank his unit’s position. Although twice painfully wounded, he refused medical attention and fearlessly delivered accurate fire against the hostile force, killing one of the enemy, seriously wounding another and enabling his comrades to evacuate their casualties. As the platoon reorganized and consolidated its position, he resolutely continued to direct his squad, until exhaustion and the serious nature of his wounds caused him to lose consciousness. Largely due to his heroic actions, the enemy attempt to surround the platoon was unsuccessful, and numerous Marines were saved from possible serious injury or death. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty, Private First Class Herlihy inspired all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.