The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Leonard Mayfield (MCSN: 2372525), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Rifleman with Company E, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 25 April 1968, Company E was conducting a search and destroy operation on the Phu Tu Peninsula in Thua Thien Province when the Marines suddenly came under a heavy volume of small arms, automatic weapons and rocket fire from a large North Vietnamese Army force. During the ensuing fire fight, the Marines were directed to withdraw to permit supporting artillery fire to be directed upon the hostile emplacements. Alertly observing a squad pinned down by enemy fire near the hostile positions, Private First Class Mayfield fearlessly maneuvered across the fire-swept terrain toward the enemy emplacements. Disregarding his own safety, he delivered a heavy volume of suppressive fire upon the North Vietnamese soldiers which enabled the besieged Marines to withdraw safely. Undaunted by the enemy rounds impacting near him, he remained in his dangerously exposed position until the beleaguered unit had moved to a covered position. His heroic and timely actions were an inspiration to all who observed him and contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and selfless devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Private First Class Mayfield upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.