The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Earl Allan Kruger (MCSN: 0-101214), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving in the Republic of Vietnam from 28 to 30 April 1972. Captain Kruger was serving as the Assistant Advisor for operations to defend the Ai Tu Combat Base in Northern Quang Tri Province. Other friendly forces had been forced to withdraw leaving Marine Brigade 147 as the only tactical unit to defend the Northern approach to Quang Tri City from attacks by the invading North Vietnamese Army Division. At 1400 on 28 April, a massive and devastatingly accurate enemy artillery barrage struck the Brigade Tactical Operations Center and continued for 48 hours. On each occasion, with complete disregard for his own safety, Captain Kruger left the relative safety of the Tactical Operations Center bunker and moved to an exposed observation post within the front line defense positions in order to accurately and effectively direct and control tactical air strikes, allied artillery and Naval Gunfire missions. His actions were materially responsible for destroying most of the enemy armor and blunting the enemy attack within the Ai Tu defensive wire. When an alternate Command Post was established, Captain Kruger fearlessly moved through the fire swept Ai Tu Combat Base to carry communications equipment across a distance of 3,000 meters of open ground. The evacuation of the Ai Tu Combat Base rendered on 30 April, he volunteered to remain at the Command Post to destroy classified equipment and to coordinate the Naval Gunfire and air support covering the Marine withdrawal. His actions significantly contributed to Brigade 147’s success in repelling three separate enemy attacks against Ai Tu Combat Base, and directly assisted the subsequent withdrawal of the Brigade. Captain Kruger’s devotion to duty, courage under fire, exemplary professionalism, and outstanding leadership served as an inspirational example to the Vietnamese Marines and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.