The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel Elliot R. Laine, Jr. (MCSN: 0-50691), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Commanding Officer, Third Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam from 25 January to 15 March 1969. Lieutenant Colonel Laine aggressively led his battalion against North Vietnamese Army forces in the Ashau Valley during Operation DEWEY CANYON. On 25 January he directed a heliborne assault into the Da Krong Valley in Quang Tri Province to secure an area for the construction of Fire Support Base CUNNINGHAM. He fearlessly moved about the hazardous site directing the preparation of the base, which enabled artillery units to occupy the position within twenty-four hours. During a regimental-size assault which began on 12 February, he boldly moved with the forward elements of his unit and, ignoring harassing enemy artillery and small arms fire, resolutely led his battalion over rugged, mountainous terrain to the objective area. Upon crossing the Da Krong River, his lead company encountered intense hostile resistance. Moving to the point of heaviest contact, Lieutenant Colonel Laine effectively directed supporting arms fire against the emplacements, forcing the enemy to withdraw and enabling his battalion to advance. Maneuvering his unit forward, he directed an attack upon enemy positions on Hill 1228. The seizure of this vital terrain feature was necessary for the control of a principal infiltration route from Laos into the I Corps Tactical Zone. He successfully accomplished the seizure, occupancy and defense of a key enemy headquarters complex at Tam Boi. On the night of 24 February, when his battalion’s defensive perimeter was attacked by a large North Vietnamese Army force, he fearlessly maneuvered across the fire-swept terrain to confer with subordinate unit leaders and, then skillfully adjusting artillery fire, successfully repulsed the attack. During the ensuing nine-day period, he conducted patrols and search and destroy operations which inflicted heavy losses upon hostile forces and drove the enemy from staging, supply and headquarters facilities, thereby crushing the North Vietnamese Army’s ability to operate effectively within the surrounding area. By his courage, aggressive leadership, and unwavering devotion to duty, Lieutenant Colonel Laine upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.