The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Howard W. Langdon, Jr. (MCSN: 0-102068), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Patrol Leader with Company C, First Reconnaissance Battalion, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 30 April 1968, First Lieutenant Langdon’s eleven man reconnaissance patrol was inserted by helicopter into enemy controlled territory in Thua Thien Province, and as the Marines debarked from the helicopter, First Lieutenant Langdon shouted a warning to his comrades and unhesitatingly jumped on top of the grenade. After ordering his men to board the aircraft and depart the landing zone, he fearlessly grasped the grenade and hurled it from his position. A short while later, he was safely extracted from the hazardous area. By his courage, bold initiative and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, First Lieutenant Langdon was an inspiration to all who served with him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.