The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lance Corporal Mark P. Herron (MCSN: 2273873), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Scout with Headquarters and Service Company, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, Ninth Marine Amphibious Brigade, in connection with military operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 23 February 1968, Lance Corporal Herron was participating in a patrol near Camp J. J. CARROLL when he alertly observed the point man activate a trip wire attached to a hostile explosive device. Reacting instantly, he shouted a warning to the other Marines while simultaneously pushing the point man to the ground and shielding the Marine with his own body. Although he sustained fragmentation wounds when the explosive device detonated, Lance Corporal Herron ignored his painful injury and quickly regained his feet. Observing four North Vietnamese soldiers near his position, he immediately delivered a heavy volume of fire upon the enemy, forcing them to flee. Unhesitatingly maneuvering forward, he continued to fire at the North Vietnamese soldiers until his wounds prevented him from physically pursuing the enemy. Rapidly returning to his unit, he immediately commenced directing machine gun fire at the fleeing soldiers while delivering 40-mm. grenade launcher fire at them. His heroic and timely actions were an inspiration to all who observed him and saved the life of his fellow Marine. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of extreme personal danger, Lance Corporal Herron upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.