The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Gary E. Sooter (MCSN: 2133934), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as a Rifleman with Company B, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division in Quang Ngai Province, Republic of Vietnam on 5 March 1966. While occupying a night defensive position protecting a disabled helicopter deep in enemy territory, Company E came under repeated infantry attacks and a heavy barrage of accurate enemy mortar fire. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, Private First Class Sooter exposed himself continually to intense small-arms and destructive mortar fire to cover and defend approaches to his platoon’s position. Later that night, observing the enemy attempting to penetrate on his left, he again fearlessly ran through a heavy volume of mortar and automatic weapons fire to block the advancing Viet Cong. While blocking the initial attempted enemy penetration, he continued to expose himself, without regard for his own safety to intense enemy fire until he fell mortally wounded. As the result of his courageous actions and heroic initiative, many of the enemy were killed and the attempted penetration of his platoon’s position was prevented. Private First Class Sooter’s heroism and loyal devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.