The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Jose F. Hernandez, United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Sub Unit One, First Air and Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam from 11 July to 16 July 1972. As a Radio Operator with the Shore Fire Control Party operating in support of the First Vietnamese Marine Corps Battalion, Corporal Hernandez accompanied the battalion as it commenced a major helicopter assault into a heavily defended sector of Quang Tri Province. When the helicopter on which he was a passenger was struck by enemy fire and crash landed he unhesitatingly exposed himself to intense enemy fire as he remained in the open to administer first aid to several wounded Vietnamese Marines and assist them to reach cover. Observing the Marine Naval Gunfire Liaison Officer fall wounded in an open rice paddy, Corporal Hernandez rushed to his aid and led him to shelter of the paddy dike where he treated his wounds and comforted him until the area was secured. During a series of fierce battles, Corporal Hernandez requested, coordinated, and directed numerous naval gunfire missions on hostile targets. On one occasion, he answered the call of a wounded Vietnamese Marine and braved enemy fire to administer first aid and assist in moving the casualty to a covered position. On 13 July, he assisted in organizing and securing a landing zone and completely disregarded his own safety as he coordinated the medical evacuation of numerous casualties under continuous enemy fire. Although exposed to enemy direct and indirect fire, Corporal Hernandez steadfastly remained at his post for the next three days and directed naval gunfire strikes which played a major role in routing the numerically superior enemy force. By his exceptional courage, superb professionalism, and selfless devotion to duty, Corporal Hernandez contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.