The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Felix Richard Lopez (MCSN: 1332115), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Guide with Company B, First Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. During Operation OREGON on 20 March 1966, Sergeant Lopez and his platoon were moving through a rice paddy knee deep in mud and water when they suddenly came under extremely heavy mortar and automatic weapons fire. The point squad suffered heavy casualties and was pinned down by the sweeping enemy fire. Without hesitation, Sergeant Lopez, although hindered in movement by the much underfoot, rushed forward into the intense fire fight. As he moved to aid the injured Marines, he was wounded in the right arm by fragments from an enemy mortar. Disregarding his suffering, he continued to advance under the deadly fire. Reaching one casualty, he administered first aid to him and carried him back to safety, then returned to the forward position four more times to carry out his wounded comrades, each time in an ever increasing hail of enemy fire. Only after retrieving the wounded and dead did he allow himself to be treated at the battalion aid station, and even then steadfastly refused to be evacuated from the battlefield. He rejoined his platoon and during the remainder of the day and throughout the night continued to ensure that the platoon was re-sup-plied, personally carrying ammunition to those who needed it. The following morning, as the Company continued its attack, Sergeant Lopez found that he had also been wounded in the chest in the previous action. Despite his strong objections, he was finally evacuated. By his daring actions and display of extraordinary valor in the face of extreme peril, Sergeant Lopez upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.