The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Brian S. McCarthy (MCSN: 0-103750), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Commander with the Second Provisional Rifle Company, Headquarters Battalion, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with military operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. Early on the morning of 23 February 1969, elements of the FIRST Marine Division came under attack at several locations along the Division perimeter and a large enemy force dislodged the Marines from their defensive positions at the strategic Doi La Pass. When his company was assigned to retake the pass, First Lieutenant McCarthy quickly deployed his men to the base of a hill and reported to his company commander. Tasked with assaulting the fortified positions of the enemy, First Lieutenant McCarthy unhesitatingly led his platoon (text unreadable). When his unit sustained numerous casualties from automatic weapons fire and grenades, he repeatedly exposed himself to hostile fire as he led and encouraged his men and directed their fire upon the enemy. As the Marines reached the hostile emplacements, First Lieutenant McCarthy, fearlessly delivering intense rifle fire and throwing hand grenades, led his men in a final thrust against the hostile force which routed it from the fortified positions. After directing his platoon to pursue the enemy by fire, he established his defenses and successfully held the area against the enemy. His heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in his platoon’s accounting for five hostile soldiers killed and the seizure of a large quantity of enemy weapons and ammunition. By his courage, aggressive leadership and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, First Lieutenant McCarthy upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.