The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Horace L. Pannell (MCSN: 1998756), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Scout with the First Platoon, Company A, Third Reconnaissance Battalion, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in the vicinity of DaNang, Republic of Vietnam, on 12 July 1965. While a member of a reconnaissance patrol deep in Viet Cong insurgent territory, Private First Class Pannell and another Marine came under intense machine gun and automatic weapons fire from concealed enemy positions. After taking cover in a ditch, he realized that the point of the patrol was being swept by enemy fire in an open field ahead. Several times Private First Class Pannell attempted to move into the field but was unsuccessful due to the heavy volume of fire. Exposing himself in order to bring effective fire upon the enemy, Private First Class Pannell killed or wounded an estimated three Viet Cong. Learning that three men from the point had been hit, Private First Class Pannell ran into the fire-swept field. Fearlessly disregarding the enemy fire, he assisted in recovering the body of his Company Commander. After helping two wounded Marines from the field, Private First Class Pannell aided them through enemy fire to a helicopter landing zone 200 meters to the rear. While the dead and wounded were being loaded on board the helicopter, Private First Class Pannell laid down covering fire until ordered on the aircraft. Through his perseverance and disregard for his own personal safety under intense enemy fire, Private First Class Pannell directly contributed to the recovery of two wounded Marines and the body of his Company Commander, inspiring all who observed his actions. By his daring actions and loyal devotion to duty in the face of personal risk, Private First Class Pannell upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.