The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lance Corporal Ronald L. Reck (MCSN: 2492173), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as an Ammunition Man with Company E, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. Early on the morning of 25 February 1969, Company E was occupying a defensive position at Fire Support Base RUSSELL in Quang Tri Province. Suddenly, the Marines came under intense mortar fire and a ground attack from a large enemy force which penetrated the friendly perimeter. Reacting instantly, Lance Corporal Reck unhesitatingly delivered accurate and effective machine gun fire upon the advancing enemy, inflicting several casualties. When the North Vietnamese seized a Marine 81-mm. mortar position behind Lance Corporal Reck, and were firing upon friendly artillery positions, he delivered a heavy volume of machine gun fire upon the enemy in the mortar emplacement until his weapon was damaged by hostile fragments. With complete disregard for his own safety, Lance Corporal Reck, armed only with a pistol, then assaulted the enemy-held position and drove off the hostile soldiers, killing several of them. Steadfastly remaining in the area, he killed three more North Vietnamese who were attacking two Marines and then, continuing his determined efforts, assisted with the evacuation of the wounded. His heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in inflicting numerous casualties upon the enemy. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Lance Corporal Reck upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.