The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Eugene E. Jarrell (MCSN: 2457391), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Machine Gunner with Company B, First Reconnaissance Battalion, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 29 November 1968, during Operation MEADE RIVER, Private First Class Jarrell was a member of a nine-man patrol inserted in an area south of DaNang with the mission of locating suspected hostile mortar emplacements. Advised by the point man that he had observed a North Vietnamese Army soldier in the vicinity, the patrol leader directed four members of the team to reconnoiter the position. Subsequent to the scout team’s departure, the remaining Marines heard sounds of intense gun fire, and, while deploying themselves to provide covering fire for their comrades’ withdrawal came under a heavy volume of enemy machine gun and mortar fire, sustaining a casualty. Later, as a medical evacuation helicopter approached the site, Private First Class Jarrell commenced providing rapid suppressive fire with his machine gun. When it malfunctioned, he obtained a wounded man’s rifle and had fired only two round when it was shot from his hands. Seizing a grenade launcher and maneuvering fearlessly about the fire-swept area, he rapidly fired on the hostile force while the injured Marine was evacuated. When the Corpsman was seriously wounded, Private First Class Jarrell, with complete disregard for his own safety, rushed to the man’s side, shielded the wounded corpsmen from further injury and commenced skillfully rendering first aid. Resolutely continuing his lifesaving treatment until the enemy fire decreased, he and a companion were moving the injured man to the landing zone when an enemy tracer round passed close to Private First Class Jarrell’s face, causing partial blindness and injuring his eyes. Steadfastly refusing to leave his comrades, he ignored his painful wound and remained with the unit until he was evacuated on the following morning. By his courage, resolute determination and selfless devotion to duty, Private First Class Jarrell upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.