The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Larry John Rismiller (MCSN: 2406680), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Squad Leader with Third Squad of Company L, Third Battalion, Fourth Marines, defending Hill 385 on Mutter’s Ridge, De-Militarized Zone, Republic of South Vietnam, on 17 February 1969. During the early morning hours, a heavily armed Sapper Unit of the North Vietnamese Army attacked 3d Squad’s sector of the night time defensive position. During the intense firefight, a hand grenade landed in the position near him and his Squad members. Sergeant Rismiller, without regard for his own safety, threw himself over the hand grenade. The enemy grenade did not explode, but his heroic act inspired his companions to continue fighting. In the ensuing action, Sergeant Rismiller killed two North Vietnamese soldiers at close quarters and his squad repelled the attack, killing a total of seven enemy soldiers. By his daring actions, resolute fighting spirit, and unwavering devotion to duty, Sergeant Rismiller was directly responsible for preventing the loss of his entire Squad; thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.