The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Gunnery Sergeant Stephen L. Shivers (MCSN: 1617603), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Sergeant with Company G, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the night of 4 January 1971, while occupying the command bunker at a hilltop outpost near Landing Zone Baldy, Staff Sergeant Shivers’ six-man unit became the target for a vicious ground attack by a Viet Cong platoon supported by grenades and anti-tank rockets and, during the initial moments of the assault, the officer in charge was critically wounded. Unhesitatingly taking charge, Sergeant Shivers quickly utilized his radio to request a reaction force and supporting arms fire, then directed a vigorous defense of the position by all occupants of the bunker. Observing that one seriously wounded Marine lay directly in the path of the hostile fire, several men left the bunker to go to his rescue but, in two attempts, all were wounded by the enemy fusillade. Realizing the need for drastic action to prevent his companion from sustaining further injuries, Staff Sergeant Shivers seized a rifle and, firing from the hip as he ran, charged to the side of the casualty. Although painfully wounded during this action, he fearlessly picked up the wounded Marine and seemingly oblivious to the grenades detonating around him, carried his comrade to the relative security of the command bunker. Once inside, he directed those casualties who were still operational to maintain a steady stream of fire directly on his position to drive off the fanatical enemy and commenced treating the wounded men and preparing them for medical evacuation. By his courage, aggressive leadership, and selfless devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, Staff Sergeant Shivers saved the life of one Marine, was instrumental in repelling a large hostile force until its defeat, and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.