The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Eugene Arthur Lynch (MCSN: 0-79753), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Commanding Officer of Company I, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 21 April 1967, Captain Lynch’s company was helilifted into the Que Son Valley in the vicinity of Nui Loc Son to reinforce another Marine company which had sustained numerous casualties and was pinned down by an estimated battalion size enemy force. Despite heavy enemy small arms and mortar fire in the landing zone, he succeeded in deploying two rifle platoons and his command group after landing and decided to launch an immediate attack against the entrenched enemy’s right flank without waiting for his third platoon. As his unit maneuvered to assault the enemy positions, it came under intense automatic weapons and mortar fire. In the ensuing fire fight, Captain Lynch fearlessly exposed himself to enemy fire as he moved from one position to another to direct and encourage his men. Aggressively and skillfully, he led his units forward, fiercely attacking and overrunning enemy positions until he reached the beleaguered Marine company. With complete disregard for his own safety, Captain Lynch remained exposed to hostile fire to ensure that all casualties were recovered from the assault area. Demonstrating superior military proficiency, Captain Lynch organized night defensive positions and directed artillery fire support to within seventy-five meters of his own lines. His exceptional professional skill and exemplary leadership inspired all who observed him and contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his resolute courage, bold fighting spirit and selfless devotion to duty, Captain Lynch upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.