The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Larry E. Perry (MCSN: 0-102206), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company C, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 5 June 1968, First Lieutenant Perry’s platoon was assigned to assist a friendly unit which was pinned down by a numerically superior North Vietnamese Army force southeast of Khe Sanh and had sustained several casualties. Upon arriving at the location of the beleaguered Marines, he quickly deployed his men into advantageous firing positions and directed the delivery of a heavy volume of suppressive fire upon the hostile emplacements, while simultaneously supervising the evacuation of casualties. On numerous occasions during the fire fight, he fearlessly moved about the hazardous area, rendering first aid to wounded Marines and assisting them to covered positions. Disregarding his own safety, he seized abandoned weapons and delivered effective rifle and grenade launcher fire upon the enemy positions. Alertly observing a hostile emplacement, he unhesitatingly rushed across the fire-swept terrain and threw a hand grenade into the position, silencing the enemy fire. Subsequently ordering his men to withdraw to a more defensible position, he remained in the hazardous area directing supporting arms fire upon the North Vietnamese Army force until all of his men had safely withdrawn. His heroic and timely actions were an inspiration to all who observed him and saved the lives of several Marines. By his courage, superb leadership and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, First Lieutenant Perry 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.