The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lance Corporal Paul R. McKercher (MCSN: 2358242), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against North Vietnamese Army Forces while serving as a Squad Leader with Company M, Battalion Landing Team Third Battalion, First Marines, on 1 March 1968. Company M participated in a Battalion assault against the village of Mai Xa Thi (West) on the Cua Viet River, Republic of Vietnam. Massive enemy offensive operations had threatened the flow of friendly traffic along this vital supply route. Halfway through the village, Lance Corporal McKercher’s platoon became pinned down by intense automatic weapons and rocket fire from an elaborate system of well concealed, mutually supporting bunkers and trench lines. Quickly assessing the situation, Lance Corporal McKercher immediately directed his squad to lay down a base of fire against the enemy positions. Ignoring the danger, he then sprinted forward under fire to a destroyed building in the middle of the bunker complex. Without hesitation, and armed only with his rifle, Lance Corporal McKercher attacked a nearby bunker, killing a number of enemy soldiers. With complete disregard for his own safety and using the elements of shock and surprise, he quickly maneuvered among the bunkers and neutralized several more positions. When a North Vietnamese anti-tank position threatened to destroy a friendly tank, Lance Corporal McKercher ran forward, again exposing himself to hostile fire, and killed the enemy gunner with a well aimed shot. Lance Corporal McKercher’s heroic actions accounted for the destruction of a reinforced enemy squad and the capture of numerous weapons and documents. Inspired by his bravery, his unit advanced and secured its objective with a minimum of casualties. By his extraordinary courage, indomitable fighting spirit, and selfless devotion to duty, Lance Corporal McKercher reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.