The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal George G. Neville, Jr. (MCSN: 2098958), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Reconnaissance Team Leader with Company A, 3d Reconnaissance Battalion, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, on 23 and 24 September 1966, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the afternoon of 23 September, Corporal Neville was leading a five man reconnaissance patrol deep into enemy controlled territory, sixteen miles west of Dong Ha in Quang Tri Province. The team found numerous enemy fortifications under construction and other evidence of enemy activity in the area. Cautiously, he led his patrol to a vantage point where he observed several North Vietnamese Army soldiers preparing positions. Although the team was within 100 meters of the enemy, Corporal Neville unhesitatingly called in air strikes while the soldiers, unaware of the patrol’s presence, continued to work on their fortifications. After the air strikes were completed, a search of the area revealed that five North Vietnamese had been killed. Remaining in the enemy infested area overnight, the reconnaissance team continued to observe enemy activity. The following morning, additional air and artillery support was delivered on the enemy positions and emplacements. As the patrol moved out of the area, a force of ten North Vietnamese soldiers moved behind the patrol in an effort to surround the Marines. Simultaneously, approximately thirty heavily armed enemy soldiers were observed advancing toward the front of the patrol. Unhesitatingly, Corporal Neville led the members of his patrol in an attack against the North Vietnamese forces. During the ensuing forty minute battle, he encouraged his men and skillfully directed a heavy volume of accurate fire on the enemy, resulting in eighteen confirmed killed, ten probable killed, and receiving credit for personally killing three enemy soldiers. Throughout the two day patrol, he exhibited exceptional presence of mind and courage in leading his men against the enemy and in gathering valuable intelligence information. By his inspiring leadership, fearless determination and aggressive fighting spirit, Corporal Neville upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.