The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Douglas B. Page (MCSN: 0-90578), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Forward Air Controller, First Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 20 March 1969, while elements of the First Battalion were being helilifted into Fire Support Base ARGONNE northwest of Vandegrift Combat Base, the lead squads were pinned down by a heavy volume of fire from hostile forces occupying fortified bunkers overlooking the landing zone. Rapidly assessing the situation, Captain Page fearlessly moved up the hill to the point of heaviest contact and, boldly standing in full view of the enemy soldiers, initiated an aggressive assault upon their positions. Shouting words of encouragement to his men, he restored their confidence and, exhorting them to grater efforts, fearlessly led them up the slope. Although seriously wounded by grenade fragments, he ignored his painful injuries and steadfastly pressed the attack. The Marines, inspired by his brave example, stormed the hostile bunkers, killing numerous enemy soldiers and forcing the remainder to withdraw. After consolidating his position, Captain Page called for helicopter support, and steadfastly refusing medical evacuation, repeatedly exposed himself to vicious sniper fire to control the activities of the aircraft. Throughout the following forty-eight hours, although the enemy continually delivered mortar, small arms, and automatic weapons fire upon the Marines, Captain Page skillfully adjusted fixed wing air strikes and supporting artillery fire upon the determined hostile force during the day and flareship illumination at night, frequently moving to exposed vantage points to pinpoint sources of enemy fire. His heroic and determined actions inspired all who observed him and enabled the Marines to retain control of the vital terrain. By his courage, dynamic leadership and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, Captain Page contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.