The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal William Dean Langley (MCSN: 2447716), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Guide with Company D, First Battalion, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 1 May 1969, Company D was conducting a patrol approximately five miles northwest of Cam Lo in Quang Tri Province, when the Marines came under intense small arms fire from a well-concealed enemy bunker complex, and sustained several casualties. With complete disregard for his own safety, Corporal Langley repeatedly exposed himself to hostile fire in order to evacuate wounded Marines from hazardous areas. During the ensuing fire fight, when it became necessary for the platoon sergeant to take the place of a wounded officer, Corporal Langley unhesitatingly assumed the duties of Platoon Sergeant and fearlessly led an attack against the bunker complex, but the platoon became pinned down by a heavy volume of automatic weapons fire. Alertly observing that a major source of the enemy’s fire was one specific bunker, he rushed forward alone and destroyed the position with hand grenades, thereby permitting the remainder of the platoon to rout the enemy. His heroic and timely actions were instrumental in the destruction of the hostile positions and were responsible for saving the lives of several wounded Marines. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Corporal Langley upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.