The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Brigadier General Jonas M. Platt (MCSN: 0-6644), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Commanding General, Task Force DELTA, during Operation HARVEST MOON in the Republic of Vietnam from 10 to 20 December 1965. Summoned suddenly to command a task force of over four thousand combat and combat support troops committed to combat against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in Quang Nam Province, Brigadier General Platt, with characteristic vigor and competence, despite long and tenuous communications lines, led the force to a smashing victory. The rugged terrain, virtually impassable in many areas, dictated frequent helicopter flights over a 200 square mile area, deep in the enemy heartland and infested with Viet Cong guerillas. The enemy had already madly mauled friendly allied troops and were known to possess anti-aircraft weapons of heavier caliber than had been previously used. Despite these recognized hazards, Brigadier General Platt fearlessly exposed himself daily to these risks in order to weld his far-flung forces into a cohesive fighting force. On many occasions his helicopter was under direct fire and in several instances sustained hits. As a result of Brigadier General Platt’s courageous leadership in the face of strong enemy resistance, and through his close and continued supervision and coordination, a major Viet Cong supply installation was destroyed, and heavy casualties were inflicted on the guerrilla forces in an area thought by the enemy to be inviolate. By his daring leadership, courage and inspiring devotion to duty throughout, Brigadier General Platt upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.