The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lance Corporal Breck S. Stansell (MCSN: 2492219), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Radio Operator with Company B, First Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 19 March 1969, while the Third Platoon was conducting a search and destroy operation to locate suspected North Vietnamese Army mortar and machine gun positions in a heavily jungled area near Fire Support Base FULLER in Quang Tri Province, the Marines were subjected to hostile grenades, small arms fire, and command detonated mines. Observing a wounded companion fall in a dangerously exposed position between enemy emplacements, Lance Corporal Stansell, although seriously injured himself, rushed across the fire swept terrain to aid his companion. As he reached the man’s side, several grenades landed in the vicinity and Lance Corporal Stansell, fully aware of the possible consequences of his action, threw himself across the body of his companion to protect him from further injury. After the grenades had detonated, he commenced painfully dragging the casualty to a covered location and, accosted by a North Vietnamese Army solider who emerged from a concealed position, killed the enemy with rifle fire, thus again saving the life of his companion. By his courage, valiant initiative, and selfless devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, Lance Corporal Stansell inspired all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.