The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Keith M. Moser, II (MCSN: 2250629), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Radio Operator with the First Platoon, Company F, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, during Operation UNION, in Quang Tin Province, Republic of Vietnam on 2 June 1967. While moving across an exposed rice paddy, the lead squad of the First Platoon had maneuvered to a position 200 meters to the front of the remainder of the platoon. The platoon came under heavy enemy small arms, machine gun and mortar fire from a well-entrenched enemy force. Private First Class Moser, realizing that the squad leader had no communications with the platoon leader, unhesitatingly moved across 200 meters of exposed rice paddy under intense enemy fire to provide the badly needed communications enabling the squad to receive and carry out its mission. After arriving at the squad’s position Private First Class Moser observed a wounded Marine lying out in the rice paddy. With complete disregard for his own safety, he moved to the side of the wounded Marine and began administering first aid. Still under intense enemy fire, he started to carry the wounded Marine back to the squad’s position. During this attempt, Private First Class Moser was mortally wounded. His daring actions and loyal devotion to duty and to his fellow Marines were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.



