The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private Arthur W. Honsinger (MCSN: 2300745), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Grenadier with Company G, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the afternoon of 7 February 1968, Private Honsinger was a member of a Provisional Platoon assigned to assist a Marine truck convoy which had been ambushed and sustained numerous casualties near Nam Hoa. As his unit approached the besieged convoy, a command detonated mine was exploded damaging the lead vehicle. Almost simultaneously, the Marines came under intense enemy fire. Displaying exceptional courage and bold initiative, Private Honsinger immediately moved forward from his firing position near the rear of the convoy to the disabled truck. Ignoring the intense automatic weapons fire and exploding grenades around him, he delivered accurate fire with his M-79 Grenade Launcher, personally killing at least seven enemy soldiers. With complete disregard for his own safety, he exposed himself to intense enemy fire as he aggressively moved along the road, delivering effective suppressive fire on the enemy emplacements. Courageously advancing through the fire-swept area, he established contact with the besieged unit and continued to bring a heavy volume of accurate counter fire to bear against the hostile force until his ammunition supply was expended. Fearlessly returning across the hazardous area to his own unit, Private Honsinger replenished his ammunition supply and once again maneuvered to the original ambush site to provide covering fire for a relief squad advancing to assist the ambushed convoy. In large measure due to his accurate fire in support of the beleaguered unit, he inflicted heavy losses on the enemy and contributed to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his extraordinary courage, bold initiative and selfless devotion to duty, Private Honsinger inspired all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.