The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lance Corporal [then Private First Class] Daniel Philip McCallum (MCSN: 2220639), 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 combat operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 24 September 1966, Lance Corporal McCallum was advancing with the lead elements of a combat patrol when they came under intense enemy small arms fire and sustained several casualties. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Lance Corporal McCallum unhesitatingly rushed forward into the exposed area, positioned his machine gun and directed a heavy volume of accurate fire on the enemy positions which allowed the remaining elements of the patrol to maneuver into defensive positions and gain fire superiority. As the hostile fire increased, Lance Corporal McCallum moved closer to the enemy, pinpointing Viet Cong targets for his fellow Marines with machine gun fire. When the weapon was hot from his hands, he courageously stood up in the midst of the intense enemy fire to shout words of encouragement to his comrades and direct their fire on other enemy positions. Although he was severely wounded, he steadfastly refused medical aid so as not to endanger any rescuers by the heavy volume of fire directed at his position. Throughout the engagement, Lance Corporal McCallum’s selfless and daring actions inspired the members of his patrol to aggressively assault and subsequently rout the enemy force. By his bold initiative, exceptional courage and unwavering devotion to duty, Lance Corporal McCallum upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.