The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal William Robert Hutton (MCSN: 2141953), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Fire Team Leader with Company K, Third Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on 28 September 1966. During Operation PRAIRIE in Quang Tri Province, Corporal Hutton was with the point element during the fifth and final assault on well fortified North Vietnamese bunkers located on Hill 400. As the company size force approached the hill, it suddenly came under intense enemy automatic weapons fire, killing the point man. Unhesitatingly and with complete disregard for his own safety, Corporal Hutton braved the heavy fire in an attempt to recover the body of his fellow Marine but was ordered back to a covered position. Realizing that four previous point men had been killed on the narrow jungle trail, he selflessly volunteered to lead the Company in its advance toward the enemy positions, which had prevented his Battalion from taking the hill for two days. Fearlessly, he crawled up the trail to within fifteen meters of the enemy fortifications and courageously exposed himself to machine gun fire to provide covering rifle fire for his fellow Marines, who destroyed the position with grenades. When he observed an incoming grenade fall near his Platoon Commander, he quickly knocked his Platoon Commander to the ground, saving him from serious injury. Despite painful wounds to his face and arms from the exploding grenade, Corporal Hutton continued to deliver accurate rifle fire that was instrumental in repelling an enemy counterattack. In the fierce two hour fire fight that followed, his brave and heroic actions inspired all who observed him and greatly contributed to the successful completion of his unit’s mission. By his initiative, relentless fighting spirit and loyal devotion to duty, Corporal Hutton upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.