The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Ervin P. Martin, Jr. (MCSN: 0-105180), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company D, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the afternoon of 29 August 1968, Second Lieutenant Martin’s platoon was attacking a well entrenched North Vietnamese Army force in Quang Nam Province, when the lead element became pinned down by a heavy volume of small arms and antitank rocket fire and sustained numerous casualties. Deploying one squad to provide covering fire for the beleaguered Marines, Second Lieutenant Martin boldly exposed himself to the intense enemy fire and rushed across an open rice paddy to the location of two injured men. As he carried one wounded Marine and led the other back to the friendly position, he suddenly observed two North Vietnamese soldiers approaching him and quickly killed them with his pistol. Consolidating his unit’s position, Second Lieutenant Martin commenced adjusting supporting arms fire on the enemy and skillfully maneuvered his platoon to within thirty meters of the hostile emplacements, continuing the attack until forced to withdraw to a night defensive position. Subsequently, under cover of darkness, he fearlessly led a search party forward and recovered four men who had been killed only ten feet from the enemy force. At first light, he seized the objective without sustaining any casualties. His heroic actions and complete disregard for his own safety inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his courage, bold initiative and unwavering devotion to duty at great personal risk, Second Lieutenant Martin upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.