The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lance Corporal Leonard J. Palmer, Jr. (MCSN: 2447708), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Machine Gunner with Company K, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the night of 11 March 1969, Lance Corporal Palmer was occupying an ambush position when he was alerted to the approach of ten North Vietnamese Army soldiers. Reacting instantly, he opened fire with his machine gun and, when the weapon became inoperable, disregarded his own safety as he rapidly disassembled it to correct the malfunction. During the ensuing fire fight, he observed that a three-man team, which had attempted to envelop the hostile force, was pinned down and isolated from the main body of the squad. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, Lance Corporal Palmer snatched up a rifle and unhesitatingly ran across sixty-five meters of fire-swept rice paddy to the aid of his comrades. Taking charge of the small group, he was skillfully maneuvering them back to the ambush emplacement when a hostile soldier rose up before him. Reacting instantly, Lance Corporal Palmer attempted to fire his rifle, then realizing he had exhausted his ammunition, fearlessly leaped upon the enemy, tore his weapon from his hands, and killed the North Vietnamese with his own rifle. Resuming his efforts, he led his men back to the squad and, after assisting to consolidate the position, participated in a search and destroy operation through the dangerous area. His heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him and undoubtedly saved several Marines from possible death or serious injury. By his courage, bold initiative and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, Lance Corporal Palmer 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.