The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lance Corporal Fred Sturdevant Scott (MCSN: 2260585), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Fire Team Leader with Company D, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 4 September 1967, during Operation SWIFT, Lance Corporal Scott’s unit came under intense enemy small arms, automatic weapons and mortar fire from a numerically superior North Vietnamese Army force. During the initial moments of the engagement, he observed a squad of Marines who were separated from the main unit and pinned down by enemy automatic weapons fire. Disregarding his own safety, Lance Corporal Scott unhesitatingly exposed himself to the intense enemy fire and, maneuvering across 100 meters of fire-swept terrain, attacked the hostile position, single-handed. Largely due to his heroic and timely actions, he effectively silenced the hostile fire and enabled his fellow Marines to maneuver to more advantageous fighting positions. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and selfless devotion to duty in the face of extreme personal danger, Lance Corporal Scott was an inspiration to all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.