The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lance Corporal Matthew Michael Petit (MCSN: 2276696), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company D, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On the night of 20 December 1967, a Marine squad established contact with a numerically superior force of Viet Cong near Phouc Ninh (2) in Quang Nam Province. Upon learning of the situation, Lance Corporal Petit, as Squad Leader, a billet normally assigned to a Marine of higher rank, quickly organized his unit and skillfully led his men across 1,000 meters of thickly forested terrain to the beleaguered squad’s position. Almost immediately, the Marines came under intense small arms and automatic weapons fire from hostile positions on three sides. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, Lance Corporal Petit unhesitatingly exposed himself to the heavy volume of enemy fire and began to maneuver his squad toward enemy emplacements located on high ground seventy-five meters to his front. Skillfully directing suppressive fire and shouting words of encouragement as he advanced, he boldly led his men in a determined attack across the fire-swept terrain and overran the hostile positions. Upon arriving at the crest of the hill, he killed two enemy soldiers with accurate pistol fire and quickly established a defensive perimeter. Despite repeated enemy attempts to penetrate his defenses, he maintained his position throughout the night to provide security for the medical evacuation of casualties. His aggressive fighting spirit and resolute determination in the face of grave personal danger were an inspiration to his men and contributed materially to the defeat of the enemy force. By his courage, superb leadership and unfaltering devotion to duty, Lance Corporal Petit upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.