The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lance Corporal Gordon E. Parks (MCSN: 2371272), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Fire Team Leader with Combined Action Platoon 2-7-6, III Marine Amphibious Force, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the night of 11 September 1969, Lance Corporal Parks was leading a patrol in the vicinity of Dong Hai Hamlet in Quang Nam Province when the Marines came under intense small arms and rocket-propelled grenade fire pinning him down in a dangerously exposed area. With complete disregard for his own safety, Lance Corporal Parks courageously maneuvered across the fire-swept terrain directing the suppressive fire of his men while simultaneously delivering a heavy volume of grenade launcher fire at the enemy. Expending his supply of ammunition, he boldly rushed forward and through the hostile fire to the wounded Marine’s position, grabbed the man’s rifle, and aggressively assaulted the hostile position while delivering a devastating volume of rifle fire on the enemy, forcing their retreat. Undaunted by the intensity of the engagement, Lance Corporal Parks, accompanied by another Marine, voluntarily provided rear security while the remainder of his patrol moved the wounded Marine to a relatively safe area. Although receiving continuous fire during the movement, he fearlessly fought his way back to his patrol’s night defensive position, which then came under a heavy volume of enemy fire. When extensive artillery fire failed to force the large hostile unit’s retreat, Marine reinforcements were requested from a nearby unit and Lance Corporal Parks and another Marine were dispatched to meet and direct the reaction force to the beleaguered unit’s perimeter. After moving to a position approximately fifty meters from their perimeter, Lance Corporal Parks and his companion came under hostile small arms and rocket propelled grenade fire from a well-concealed enemy force and Lance Corporal Parks’ companion was knocked unconscious by the explosion of a grenade. Again disregarding the hostile rounds impacting near him, Lance Corporal Parks fearlessly moved across the open terrain and dragged his unconscious companion to the relative safety of his platoon’s position. By his courage, bold determination, and selfless concern for his fellow Marines, Lance Corporal Parks upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.