The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lance Corporal Efrain A. Ramirez (MCSN: 2075114), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as an Assistant Machine Gunner with Company I, Third 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 17 December 1966, Lance Corporal Ramirez and his machine gunner were with the point squad of the Second Platoon as it moved toward suspected enemy positions. As the platoon advanced, enemy small arms and automatic weapons fire was encountered which temporarily halted the platoon. Instantly, and with complete disregard for his own safety, Lance Corporal Ramirez accompanied his machine gunner through intense enemy fire to the front of the column where he assisted in delivering a heavy volume of suppressive fire on the Viet Cong positions. As a result of his daring and aggressive actions, the enemy withdrew and the platoon was able to continue its mission. Approaching the village of Ban Tan, the point squad again came under intense automatic weapons fire from a large force of well entrenched Viet Cong. Immediately, Lance Corporal Ramirez and his machine gunner moved to the front of the squad, quickly assessed the situation and began delivering a heavy volume of fire at the enemy. During the ensuing fire fight, their machine gun malfunctioned and the machine gunner sought the protection of a ditch as he tried to clear the weapon, while Lance Corporal Ramirez remained exposed to hostile fire. Subsequently, the Viet Cong concentrated their fire on the Marines’ position, mortally wounding the machine gunner. Gallantly, Lance Corporal Ramirez ignored the intense fire around him, seized the machine gun, cleared the malfunction and delivered several short bursts of fire at the enemy. Inspired by his fearless and courageous actions, the platoon began an aggressive assault on the enemy which inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy. By his heroic and selfless actions, outstanding professional skill and unwavering devotion to duty at great personal risk, Lance Corporal Ramirez upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.