The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Joseph E. Royston (MCSN: 2382532), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Squad Leader with Company E, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 1 November 1968, during Operation HENDERSON HILL, Company E was occupying a blocking position at An Tam (2) in Quang Nam Province when several North Vietnamese soldiers were detected moving through the tall grass only 100 meters from friendly positions. Directed to lead his squad in search of the enemy, Corporal Royston had advanced to within twenty-five meters of his objective when his squad came under intense automatic weapons fire and sustained several casualties. Undaunted, he continued to move forward and, deploying his men along an embankment directly in the line of enemy fire, became engaged in a fierce hand grenade battle. Pinpointing the hostile positions hidden in the thick undergrowth, Corporal Royston boldly rushed forward and hurled two grenades into the midst of the enemy, killing three North Vietnamese soldiers and ending the fire fight. His heroic actions inspired all who observed him and contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his courage, indomitable fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty at great personal risk, Corporal Royston upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.