The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant George Edward Stern (MCSN: 0-90398), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Patrol Leader with Third Force Reconnaissance Company, Third Reconnaissance Battalion, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam on 8 and 9 November 1966. Exhibiting outstanding professionalism and bold leadership, First Lieutenant Stern distinguished himself in two consecutive engagements with numerically superior enemy forces in the Hue Phu Bai area. While leading a seven man reconnaissance patrol deep in enemy controlled territory, his patrol captured a political official as he was attempting to contact a Viet Cong patrol. After the prisoner was searched, questioned and airlifted out of the area, First Lieutenant Stern set an ambush for the expected enemy patrol. When the enemy force appeared, he skillfully directed his men’s fire and, with excellent control of supporting arms fire, was able to repel the enemy. Although greatly outnumbered, his patrol accounted for the deaths of over one half of the Viet Cong force. On 9 November, First Lieutenant Stern’s tactical skill and calm leadership under fire were again evident when an enemy platoon was sighted moving toward the site of the previous day’s engagement. Skillfully positioning his men and effectively coordinating supporting fire, he directed his small unit in fierce combat for two and a half hours, inflicting heavy damage on the enemy while sustaining only one casualty. While the enemy fire twice prevented helicopters from landing to evacuate the patrol, First Lieutenant Stern’s calm and decisive actions were instrumental in preventing his unit from being overrun as he continued to adjust supporting fire perilously close to his own position. On the third attempt, the helicopters successfully extracted the Marines. His timely tactical decisions and courageous actions under enemy fire inspired his men and contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his exceptional fortitude and presence of mind, professional ability and unwavering devotion to duty, First Lieutenant Stern upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.