The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Sheldon Dale Hoskins (MCSN: 2261445), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Squad Leader 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. In the early morning hours of 7 October 1968, during Operation MAUI PEAK, Company G was occupying a defensive position on a hill near Ha Nha Hamlet in Quang Nam Province when a sector of the perimeter was assaulted by a large North Vietnamese Army force utilizing automatic weapons and hand grenades. During the initial moments of the fierce attack, every Marine in one of the forward machine gun emplacements was seriously wounded and the friendly perimeter was in danger of being penetrated by the enemy. Completely disregarding his own safety, Corporal Hoskins unhesitatingly left his covered position and maneuvered across twenty meters of fire-swept terrain to the silent machine gun. Ignoring the hostile rounds impacting near him, he fearlessly commenced directing a heavy volume of fire against the North Vietnamese soldiers who had advanced to the edge of the perimeter. Continuing his determined efforts, he resolutely expended his ammunition against the hostile force and was reloading his weapon when he was mortally wounded. His heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in his unit repulsing the enemy assault. By his courage, bold initiative and selfless devotion to duty, Corporal Hoskins upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.