The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Dennis M. Soldner (MCSN: 2282431), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Scout with Company C, Third Reconnaissance Battalion, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 1 June 1969, Corporal Soldner was a member of an eight-man reconnaissance team which was heli-lifted into an abandoned fire support base on Mutters Ridge in Quang Tri Province to establish an observation post. During the early hours of the following morning, a hostile sapper unit launched a vicious assault upon the Marines and, utilizing grenades and satchel charges, caused total casualties among the men. Although gravely wounded and unable to walk, Corporal Soldner ignored his painful injuries and immediately commenced delivering small arms fire upon the invaders and hurling grenades into their midst in a tenacious defense of his position. Additionally wounded and momentarily stunned when a grenade impacting nearby showered him with fragments, he quickly recovered and continued his resolute efforts until the severity of his injuries caused him to lose consciousness. His heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in saving his companions from further serious injury or possible death. By his courage, aggressive initiative and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, Corporal Soldner contributed significantly to the successful repulse of the enemy attack and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.