The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Arnold Bruce Rau (MCSN: 2318401), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Grenadier with Company F, Second Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on 16 May 1967. During Operation PRAIRIE IV near Phu Oc in Quang Tri Province, Private First Class Rau’s company became heavily engaged with an estimated North Vietnamese Army battalion. The enemy, located in bunkers along a tree line, was directing an intense volume of automatic weapons fire and hand grenades toward his platoon when Private First Class Rau was severely wounded in the stomach. Gallantly refusing to be evacuated, he remained in his exposed position only ten meters from the enemy bunkers to continue the attack. Displaying resolute determination and courage, Private First Class Rau accurately fired his M-79 grenade launcher into the enemy positions until he had expended his ammunition. Then seizing a rifle, he continued to expose himself to hostile fire as he assisted in providing protective fire for the removal of casualties. Even when the fighting had subsided, he ignored his own painful wounds and aided in carrying two casualties a distance of 400 meters to a landing zone. Only when he was convinced that the situation was under control did he submit to medical treatment and evacuation. His heroic actions were instrumental in saving several Marine lives and were an inspiration to all who served with him. By his outstanding fortitude, determined fighting spirit and selfless devotion to duty, Private First Class Rau upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.