The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Alvin Stokes (MCSN: 2228293), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company A, Third Reconnaissance Battalion, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on 23 September 1966. On that date, Private First Class Stokes’ five-man reconnaissance patrol was inserted deep into enemy controlled territory sixteen miles west of Dong Ha in Quang Tri Province. As Point Man of the patrol, Private First Class Stokes discovered evidence of recent enemy activity in the area. Cautiously, he led the team to a vantage point where they observed enemy activity and subsequently called for an air strike on the North Vietnamese positions. Following the air strike, a search of the area revealed that five North Vietnamese Army soldiers had been killed. Remaining in the enemy infested area overnight, the reconnaissance team continued to observe enemy activity. The following morning, additional artillery fire and air support were delivered on the North Vietnamese positions and emplacements. As the patrol moved out of the area, a force of ten enemy soldiers moved behind the patrol in an effort to surround the Marines. Simultaneously, approximately thirty heavily armed North Vietnamese were observed advancing toward the front of the patrol. The team quickly formed a defensive perimeter and waiting until the enemy was within twenty meters of their position before opening fire. Displaying exceptional courage and aggressive fighting spirit, Private First Class Stokes killed three of the enemy before he was wounded in the upper arm. During the forty minute encounter, he continued to deliver accurate fire on the enemy, killing two more North Vietnamese soldiers despite his painful wound. His heroic and selfless actions were instrumental in inflicting heavy losses on the enemy, including eighteen confirmed killed and ten probable killed. In addition, the patrol was able to gather valuable intelligence information and successfully completed its mission. By his bold initiative, fearless determination and loyal devotion to duty, Private First Class Stokes upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.