The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal William H. Mixon (MCSN: 1906658), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company E, Second Battalion, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy near the village of Hoa Lac, Quang Nam Province, in the Republic of Vietnam. During the night of 22 August 1965, the patrol of which Corporal Mixon was a member was suddenly ambushed by insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces. The initial burst of fire and hand grenades critically wounded the Platoon Commander and also wounded the Platoon Sergeant. Quickly assessing the situation, Corporal Mixon assumed command of the beleaguered elements of the platoon. Seemingly oblivious to the intense fire, he fearlessly moved about the area organizing a hasty defensive perimeter, shouting effective fire commands, encouraging the men, tending to the wounded, and, on occasion, personally firing the weapons of wounded men in order to provide a greater volume of fire. As a result of his heroic efforts, the platoon successfully repulsed three violent Viet Cong attacks and inflicted numerous casualties on the guerrillas. When informed that a relief force was on its way mounted on amphibian tractors, Corporal Mixon once again disregarded his own safety as he stood, exposed to fire, and threw two smoke grenades to guide them to his position. By his heroic actions, inspiring leadership and loyal devotion to duty throughout, Corporal Mixon was instrumental in the success of his platoon and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.