The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lance Corporal Rodney J. A. Padilla (MCSN: 2236044), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Squad Leader with Company L, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in the Republic of Vietnam on 7 February 1968. Corporal Padilla’s unit was designated as the lead element of a two platoon reaction force assigned to support a Marine patrol besieged by a company of North Vietnamese Army Regulars near the village of Dong Phu (3), in Quang Nam Province. As the platoon neared the beleaguered Marine force, they were taken under devastating enemy rocket, mortar, automatic weapons and small arms fire. Maintaining the momentum of the assault, his platoon reached the enemy position where Corporal Padilla engaged a North Vietnamese soldier in a hand grenade duel. Lacking the protection of his helmet, which had been blown away by the force of an extremely close explosion, he fearlessly stood up, marking his position for the enemy and enticing him to throw another grenade. As the enemy threw his grenade, Corporal Padilla assaulted the hostile emplacement, killing the soldier and occupying his position. Inspired by his bold actions, the remainder of the platoon intensified their attack, overrunning the forward enemy trench lines. Upon consolidation of his position, he moved to the left flank to coordinate the movement of the wounded to a position of relative safety. After completion of this vital task, he courageously returned across the fire-swept terrain to his position and single-handedly assaulted a second enemy trench line. Subsequently, his platoon was directed to withdraw in preparation for an artillery attack on the hostile emplacement. By his bold initiative, dauntless courage and loyal devotion to duty, Corporal Padilla reflected great credit upon himself and the Marine Corps and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.