The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private Jesus M. Limones (MCSN: 2256502), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as 60-mm. Mortar Gunner with Company D, First Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, during Operation PRAIRIE IV against North Vietnamese Army forces in the Republic of Vietnam on 8 May 1967. At 0245 the combat outpost at Con Thien was attacked by a numerically superior North Vietnamese Army force. The attack began with mortars and rockets and was followed with an assault by troops armed with automatic weapons, satchel charges, and flamethrowers. The enemy penetrated the wire and in some places the forward elements of the assault had reached the trench lines. When the attack began, Private Limones leaped to his mortar and provided immediate and vital illumination for the battleground. At the same time he fired high explosive fragmentation rounds into the advancing enemy. When his mortar ran out of ammunition, he moved up across 25 meters of open, fire-swept ground to the trenches to help man the lines and repel the assault. By this time, contact had been lost with the Third Squad of the platoon to which he was attached, and in order to reestablish it, the trench lines to their position had to be cleared of the enemy, who by then were in and behind the lines. Private Limones unhesitatingly volunteered for this dangerous task. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, and armed only with his pistol, he left the trench and, completely exposed to the enemy fire from all sides, crawled along the lip of the trench, throwing grenades into the enemy held bunkers. After having cleared several bunkers, he was mortally wounded by enemy fire. By his outstanding courage, exceptional fortitude and valiant fighting spirit, Private Limones served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.