The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Alastair James Livingston (MCSN: 2133814), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Scout Team 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 vicinity of Long Binh, Quang Ngai Province, Republic of Vietnam. On 10 October 1966, Corporal Livingston was a member of a thirteen man reconnaissance patrol assigned the mission of observing the valley near Long Binh for enemy activity. While moving from the observation post to a helicopter landing zone shortly after noon, the patrol came under a heavy volume of enemy small arms fire and hand grenades from an estimated enemy force of between thirty-five and fifty Viet Cong. Corporal Livingston immediately directed his team to a defensive position and brought devastating fire upon the enemy. When the Platoon Sergeant was immobilized by enemy fire, moments later, Corporal Livingston unhesitatingly assumed his duties. Although wounded, he disregarded his own safety as he repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire to help wounded Marines of the patrol and to direct fire on the enemy. While continually exposed to enemy fire, he assisted the wounded to the evacuation aircraft and also in the recovery of all equipment and weapons. When Corporal Livingston and his Platoon Leader, the last remaining members of the patrol in the landing zone, were awaiting evacuation, four Viet Cong rushed into the area, firing at point blank range and routed the others. His bravery and skill throughout averted a potentially disastrous situation. By his courage, exemplary leadership and inspiring devotion to duty, Corporal Livingston upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.