The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Grover Murray (MCSN: 0-97489), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company D, First Reconnaissance Battalion, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. During the late afternoon of 15 January 1967, Second Lieutenant Murray’s platoon was dispersed in a helicopter landing zone near Chu Lai with elements of an infantry platoon awaiting extraction by CH-46 helicopters. The helicopters landed and were partially loaded when the landing zone came under intense enemy automatic and semi-automatic weapons fire, including that of .50 caliber machine guns. Recognizing the immediate danger to the aircraft, Second Lieutenant Murray signaled the pilots to lift off and immediately directed fire against the attacking Viet Cong. As the helicopters were departing, .50 caliber machine gun fire ripped through the top of one of the helicopters, shearing off the rear rotor blade. The helicopter rose about twenty feet and then crashed on its right side and began to burn. Courageously, Second Lieutenant Murray crossed seventy-five meters of open rice paddy and began directing the uninjured troops out of the downed helicopter and into firing positions. Realizing that the pilots were still trapped in the burning wreckage, he unhesitatingly returned through the intense small arms fire to the aircraft to free the pilots. With fearless composure, Second Lieutenant Murray skillfully directed and assisted the efforts of the rescuers to free the pilots and move them to safety. Shortly after the last man was removed, the aircraft exploded. Throughout the rescue, Second Lieutenant Murray continued to direct the fire of his men, shouting orders and encouragement. When the enemy fire was suppressed enough to allow additional helicopters to land, Second Lieutenant Murray, with resolute calmness and professional skill, moved throughout the landing zone, continually exposing himself in order to direct and protect the loading of the injured Marines. He courageously remained in the zone firing his rifle to cover the loading of the last troops and only at the last possible moment did he board an aircraft. In large measure due to his heroic actions, the Viet Cong were forced to withdraw and the lives of the crew and passengers of the downed helicopter were saved. Second Lieutenant Murray’s inspiring leadership, aggressive determination and fearless disregard for his own safety were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.