The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain George Donald Navadel (MCSN: 0-75389), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Commanding Officer of Company M, Third Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 1 June 1967, Captain Navadel led his company to reinforce another unit which was pinned down by intense enemy automatic weapons, small arms and mortar fire and had sustained numerous casualties. Skillfully maneuvering his unit against the enemy’s flank, Captain Navadel placed two platoons on line, positioned his command post next to his exposed left flank and then aggressively assaulted the North Vietnamese Army force which was entrenched in well camouflaged bunkers. During two hours of intense fighting, Company M overran numerous enemy positions, killing the defenders and seizing their weapons. Continuously exposing himself to the hostile fire, Captain Navadel moved from one position to another where contact with the enemy was the heaviest, shouting words of encouragement to his men and inspiring them to renewed efforts. Disregarding his own safety, he repeatedly assaulted enemy positions with hand grenades, continually remaining at the front of the fire fight to influence his men’s actions. As a result of his skillful employment of his company and supporting arms, the beleaguered Marine unit was able to break contact with the enemy and evacuate the casualties before reorganizing their positions. His aggressiveness and outstanding professionalism were an inspiration to all who served with him and contributed immeasurably to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his steadfast courage, exemplary leadership and unswerving devotion to duty at great personal risk, Captain Navadel upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.