The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Edwin Jackson Renegar (MCSN: 0-97707), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as an Artillery Forward Observer with the Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the evening of 23 August 1966, Second Lieutenant Renegar exhibited daring initiative and courage in voluntarily joining a composite reaction force dispatched to relieve a unit which had become pinned down by enemy fire while conducting a search of caves known to conceal North Vietnamese. Upon landing in the area, Second Lieutenant Renegar braved the hostile fire in an effort to adjust 155-mm. howitzers on the enemy positions, but could not destroy them due to the proximity of friendly forces. During the night, throughout which he and his men were forced to remain in a hazardous position in the jungle, he constantly moved among his Marines, exhibiting composure and firm leadership which served to promote a spirit of confidence. On the next morning he moved out with a Marine company assigned to assault fortified North Vietnamese positions. Without regard for his own safety, he left he protection of the friendly base of fire and exposed himself to automatic weapons fire and grenades to descend into a ravine and carry wounded Marines to safety. He repeated this daring action several times to assist at least seven casualties, then helped evacuate the stricken men up two hundred meters of dense jungle trail. On the next day, despite his fatigue, Second Lieutenant Renegar voluntarily accompanied a Marine element assigned to exploit previous gains. His familiarity with the terrain and enemy positions was of inestimable value to the successful completion of the mission. By his exceptional fortitude in the face of enemy fire, resourcefulness and unfaltering dedication to duty throughout, Second Lieutenant Renegar upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.