The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Walter P. Jakubowski (MCSN: 640095), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as leader of a mine detection and clearance team with Company C, Third Engineer Battalion, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 29 May 1966, while leading his team on a road sweep near DaNang, Sergeant Jakubowski noticed the unusual absence of civilians along the route and immediately issued a warning to his team and the infantry security personnel. Aggressively moving forward to the vicinity of an abandoned French fortification, he observed two armed Viet Cong and challenged them, which resulted in the enemy’s ambush being prematurely executed. Immediately an intense volume of enemy small arms fire, mortar fire and grenades was directed at the Marines. Although painfully wounded in the back and legs by grenade fragments, Sergeant Jakubowski courageously moved through the heavy fire to his team, rallying and skillfully deploying them while directing effective return fire. Of the estimated fourteen Viet Cong, five were killed and several wounded. Continuing to expose himself without regard for his own safety, he located and secured a helicopter landing zone. Directing the evacuation of his fallen comrades, he refused medical attention for his own wounds until the enemy was repelled and all tasks completed. His resolute effort was a significant factor in denying the enemy control of the area and preventing them from inflicting further casualties among the Marines. By his aggressive fighting spirit, daring initiative and unwavering devotion to duty throughout, Sergeant Jakubowski upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.