The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Merlin Philip Legaux (MCSN: 2144012), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company K, Third Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on 18 July 1966. The battalion was in a tactical march when Company K, providing the rear security element, came under attack from all sides by extremely heavy mortar, small arms and automatic weapons fire, from a North Vietnamese force of regimental size. Corporal Legaux, serving as a fire team leader in the third platoon, immediately provided covering fire for the rear point platoon whose flanks had become threatened. After several hours of heavy engagement, during which the platoon was cut off from the remainder of the Company, ammunition was in critically short supply. Quickly evaluating the situation, Corporal Legaux left his relatively protected position, and selflessly and bravely exposed himself to intense and accurate enemy fire to cross a waist-deep river to secure the needed ammunition. He repeated this daring and heroic act three times, and in so doing, was able to provide the vital ammunition with which his fire team maintained continuous effective fire on the enemy. His actions were instrumental in reducing the danger to the first platoon’s flanks, enabling the platoon to hold their ground while inflicting maximum casualties on the enemy. Corporal Legaux’s heroism, exceptional example, leadership and resolute devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. On a subsequent operation against the enemy, Corporal Legaux was mortally wounded. He gallantly gave his life for his country.