The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Lyn W. Pohlman (MCSN: 2033359), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Squad Leader with the 81 millimeter Mortar Section attached to Company A, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in the Republic of Vietnam. On 30 October 1965, while defending the Company positions on Hill 22 near DaNang against a numerically superior insurgent communist (Viet Cong) force, Corporal Pohlman exhibited exceptional heroism and concern for the lives of his fellow Marines. During the height of the battle, while located in the mortar pit with four other Marines and aiding in the firing of the only operational mortar on the hill, Corporal Pohlman saw an enemy grenade land in the emplacement, in the midst of the men. Realizing the imminent danger to his comrades, and totally disregarding the serious jeopardy to his own life, he immediately picked up the grenade and proceeded to throw it out of the position. Just as he released the grenade, it exploded, causing severe injury to his hand, with the resultant concussion throwing him clear of the position. While lying on the ground, seriously injured, Corporal Pohlman nobly refused the offer of a blanket by another Marine, stating that it should be given to someone else who might be more in need of it. Through his valiant actions and selfless devotion to the welfare of his fellow man, he undoubtedly saved the lives of three man and thereby kept the vital mortar in action. By his daring actions and loyal devotion to duty in the face of personal risk, Corporal Pohlman was instrumental in the successful defense of the hill and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.