The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Colonel Emil John Radics (MCSN: 0-21026), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. Informed of a suspected enemy troop buildup in the Go Noi Island complex south of DaNang, Colonel Radics quickly called upon all available intelligence sources to confirm the position and size of the Viet Cong force. Realizing the need for speed in exploiting this opportunity to destroy a large enemy force, he immediately initiated directives for Operation STONE which commenced on 12 February 1967. Displacing his Command Post forward to an area where he could best control and direct his attacking battalions, Colonel Radics joined the battalion most heavily engaged with the enemy in order to maintain his regiment’s momentum in the attack and to personally supervise and maneuver his command. On numerous occasions, while visiting the forward command posts of his battalions, he unhesitatingly and with complete disregard for his own safety, landed by helicopter in zones swept by intense enemy automatic weapons fires. His presence in these forward areas, which were heavily mined and booby trapped, was an inspiration to all who observed him and to those who served with him. Upon the initial success of a deep penetration into Viet Cong controlled territory, which blocked the enemy’s route of withdrawal, he directed the swift encirclement and methodical destruction of the enemy force utilizing all forces available including artillery, naval gunfire and aerial fire support. As a result of Colonel Radics’ expertly conceived and skillfully directed operation, the First Marines inflicted over 120 confirmed enemy dead, 112 probable killed, 76 captured and destroyed hundreds of enemy emplacements and caves while suffering a minimum of casualties among his own battalions. By his courage, bold initiative and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, Colonel Radics 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.