The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Stephen Paul Larson (MCSN: 0-101222), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company C, Third Tank Battalion, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 3 February 1968, First Lieutenant Larson received a request for assistance from an infantry unit that was pinned down by intense small arms and .50 caliber machine gun fire from a large North Vietnamese Army force concealed in a heavily wooded area north of the Cam Lo River in Quang Tri Province. Quickly organizing a section of two tanks, he boarded one of the vehicles and expeditiously led the unit to the designated area. Rapidly assessing the situation, he directed his own tank to assault through the enemy lines while the other vehicle provided flank security. Boldly maneuvering his tank into the midst of the enemy positions, First Lieutenant Larson coordinated the delivery of a heavy volume of machine gun and 90-mm. gun fire upon the hostile emplacements. Ignoring the enemy hand grenades detonating upon his vehicle, he guided the tank directly over the hostile positions, crushing a .50 caliber machine gun emplacement and killing ten hostile soldiers. When five of the enemy attempted to flee, he quickly eliminated them by directing his men in delivering accurate canister fire on them and, continuing his determined efforts, ably utilized his vehicle to assist in the evacuation of friendly casualties. His bold initiative and resolute determination inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in enabling the friendly infantry unit to continue its attack against the North Vietnamese Army force. By his courage, aggressive leadership and unwavering devotion to duty, First Lieutenant Larson upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.