The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lance Corporal Joel Marvin Markham (MCSN: 2436595), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Rifleman with Company H, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 11 December 1968, Company H was assigned the mission of reinforcing Company F which, while operating in the mountainous terrain near the Demilitarized Zone had become heavily engaged with an enemy force and sustained numerous casualties. As the lead platoon advanced toward the beleaguered company, the Marines came under an intense volume of mortar, automatic weapons, and small arms fire from the North Vietnamese Army force which was concealed in well-fortified bunkers. Fearlessly exposing himself to the hostile fire, Lance Corporal Markham skillfully maneuvered across the fire-swept terrain, and commenced to deliver accurate, effective suppressive fire at the enemy soldiers, enabling the Marines to advance and evacuate the wounded. Although seriously injured during the ensuing action, he disregarded his painful wound and advanced to the point of heaviest contact to provide covering fire, thereby allowing his companions to maneuver to more advantageous positions. His heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him and contributed significantly to his unit’s accounting for ten North Vietnamese Army soldiers killed. By his courage, bold initiative and selfless devotion to duty at great personal risk, Lance Corporal Markham upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.