The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Keith L. Kupec (MCSN: 2113873), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company F, Second Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in action against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 28 February 1966, during a sweep and destroy operation in Thua Thien Province, Private First Class Kkupec’s company became engaged in an open area by heavy automatic weapons fire from a Viet Cong battalion entrenched about twenty-five meters to the front. Ignoring his own safety, Private First Class Kupec repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire to throw grenades into the hostile position, which resulted in the destruction of a Viet Cong machine gun position. The enemy force, seeing its fire power diminished, initiated a counterattack on the Marines. With uncommon courage in the face of extreme danger, he again placed himself in a hazardous position to bring effective rifle fire on the advancing enemy, thereby halting their assault. When the Second Platoon launched a frontal assault against the Viet Cong position, Private First Class Kupec exhibited rare aggressiveness, shouting encouragement to his comrades and, by his example, inspired them to continue the battle with renewed vigor. His valiant effort contributed directly to the success of the engagement, during which one hundred and twenty-two Viet Cong regular forces were killed. By his intrepid fighting spirit, brilliant initiative and unswerving dedication to duty, Private First Class Kupec, upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.