The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Ronald D. Morris (MCSN: 1954054), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Sergeant with Company K, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the morning of 23 August 1968, while assigned as a reaction force for the DaNang Vital Area, Company K became heavily engaged with a large North Vietnamese Army force near the Hoa Vang District Headquarters and was temporarily pinned down. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, Staff Sergeant Morris skillfully maneuvered his men forward and directed their fire against the enemy fortifications. Alertly observing a .50 caliber machine gun emplacement that was delivering accurate fire against his unit, he fearlessly moved down the fire-swept street and quickly located an Ontos which he guided to his platoon’s position. Disregarding his own safety, he directed the tracked vehicle’s recoilless rifle fire against the hostile machine gun and aggressively led the Marines in an attack through the North Vietnamese positions, forcing the enemy to flee in panic and confusion. When a friendly unit was pinned down by automatic weapons fire near the Cam Le Bridge, Staff Sergeant Morris, although painfully wounded, repeatedly exposed himself to the intense hostile fire while moving about the hazardous area shouting words of encouragement to his men and directing their fire against the enemy. Ignoring the hostile rounds impacting hear him, he led his men in a determined assault against the enemy positions, enabling his comrades to evacuate their casualties. His heroic actions and bold initiative inspired all who observed him and contributed immeasurably to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his courage, aggressive leadership and steadfast devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Staff Sergeant Morris upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.