The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lance Corporal Howard Ogden, Jr. (MCSN: 2312138), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Grenadier with Company G, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, in Thua Thien Province, Republic of Vietnam on 18 October 1967. Lance Corporal Ogden was engaged in action as a member of a reaction force assigned to extract an embattled reconnaissance unit. During the evacuation of the unit and its wounded, the reaction force came under an extremely heavy volume of fire from machine guns, automatic weapons and hand grenades from well-concealed, fortified positions, causing several more casualties. Lance Corporal Ogden, with complete disregard for his own safety, exposed himself to the heavy volume of fire and provided covering fire with his M-79 Grenade Launcher. Although wounded in the leg, he continued to deliver accurate covering fire until he was mortally wounded. His aggressive and courageous action in providing suppressive fire was a determining factor in the successful evacuation of the reconnaissance unit and casualties to friendly lines. By his uncommon valor, indomitable fighting spirit and fearless devotion to duty, he upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.