The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private Larry A. Mattern (MCSN: 2103373), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Machine Gunner with Company D, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam on 23 July 1966. During Operation HASTINGS, Private Mattern displayed outstanding courage and dedication without regard for his own safety. While on a search and destroy operation near the village of Cam Lo, the forward elements of the platoon were taken under heavy enemy small arms and automatic weapons fire from a Viet Cong force of estimated platoon strength. The point machine gun team leader and his assistant became casualties in the initial burst of fire. Disregarding the heavy fire and exploding grenades, Private Mattern moved forward with his machine gun from his position at the rear of the column to the forward gun position and delivered heavy and accurate fire on the enemy. He accomplished this feat with one hand after receiving a severe wound in the left shoulder. Despite the seriously bleeding wound, he continued to fire until he collapsed over his weapon from loss of blood. By his indomitable courage, initiative and extraordinary devotion to duty, Private Mattern upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.