The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Domingo Rios, Jr. (MCSN: 2487108), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Squad Leader with Company M, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 1 December 1969, while Corporal Rios’ squad was leading five apprehended Viet Cong soldiers toward the Company Command Post during a search and clear operation west of Fire Support Base ROSS, the point man was seriously wounded and the remainder of the squad pinned down by a heavy volume of machine gun fire. Unwilling to risk excessive Marine casualties by attempting to maneuver his men across the open terrain to a covered position, Corporal Rios unhesitatingly left his position and fearlessly ran to within twenty meters of the enemy bunker. Boldly standing in full view of the hostile gunner, he drew concentrated fire to himself as he threw hand grenades at the aperture but, as his men attempted to deploy from the hazardous area, they again were subjected to intense fire. Determined to assist his companions, he then valiantly charged the emplacement and, upon reaching the structure, completely disregarded the danger to his own life as he delivered rifle fire through the firing aperture, killing the enemy gunner inside. His heroic and determined actions inspired all who observed him and saved the life of his wounded fellow Marine. By his courage, bold initiative, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, Corporal Rios upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.