The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lance Corporal Henry Anthony Rios (MCSN: 2190833), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Fire Team Leader with Company F, Second 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 26 December 1966, during Operation SIERRA in Quang Ngai Province, Lance Corporal Rios’ fire team received heavy enemy automatic weapons fire s it advanced ahead of the Alpha Command Group. Reacting instantly, he quickly maneuvered his fire team to a more advantageous position from which it could deliver a base of fire. Then, completely disregarding his own safety, Lance Corporal Rios stood up and boldly charged twenty-five meters into heavy enemy automatic fire to a trench line where he killed four Viet Cong and captured two weapons. Continuing to display aggressive fighting spirit, he threw a hand grenade into a nearby enemy position and, rallying his men, pursued the fleeing Viet Cong. His heroic and selfless actions were instrumental in repulsing the enemy assault and inspired all who observed him. By his bold initiative, courage under fire and selfless devotion to duty, Lance Corporal Rios upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.