The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lance Corporal Sylvester Sekne (MCSN: 2367097), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Squad Leader with Company E, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 12 April 1969, during Operation OKLAHOMA HILLS, Lance Corporal Sekne’s platoon was moving down a hill when the point squad came under intense hostile machine gun fire and sustained several casualties. Rapidly analyzing the situation, Lance Corporal Sekne began maneuvering his squad toward the hostile emplacement, then, realizing the urgent need for silencing the enemy fire, he quickly moved past his men, and fearlessly throwing hand grenades and firing his rifle, he destroyed the hostile machine gun position. While cautiously deploying his men through the area as they searched for additional enemy positions, Lance Corporal Sekne and his squad came under a heavy volume of hostile sniper fire. Observing a Marine positioned in the direct line of the enemy fire, he unhesitatingly exposed himself to the hostile fire as he pushed the man to safety and was mortally wounded as a result of his valiant act. His heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him and contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and selfless devotion to duty, Lance Corporal Sekne upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.