The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lance Corporal Phillip A. Herrera, Jr. (MCSN: 2140517), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Radioman with the Third Platoon, Company G, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in the Republic of Vietnam on 8 September 1966. On that date, Lance Corporal Herrera was participating with the company in a search and destroy mission in support of Operation PRAIRIE. Early in the morning as the Company was moving toward its objective, the point spotted the forward elements of a well-entrenched North Vietnamese Army ambush. A member of the point threw a hand grenade, killing two of the enemy and forcing him to reveal his position. As the fire fight erupted the entire Third Platoon came under heavy fire, sustaining a number of casualties. Lance Corporal Herrera, without regard for his own personal safety, dashed fifty meters through intense enemy fire to reach a wounded comrade who was living exposed and helpless in the open a target to vicious automatic weapons fire. Although severely wounded twice before reaching the wounded man, he resolutely pursued his mission and succeeded in carrying the injured man to safety before he succumbed to his own wounds. His daring initiative, indomitable fighting spirit and self-sacrificing efforts reflected the highest credit upon Lance Corporal Herrera, the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.