Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    1st Marines

    Division:

    1st Marine Division (Rein.), FMF

    Action Date:

    January 29, 1967

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant William Lee Theiss (MCSN: 1369673), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Squad Leader with First Platoon of Company A, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. Early in the afternoon on 29 January 1967, Sergeant Theiss’ platoon was on a mission in support of another unit which was under heavy enemy attack in an area south of DaNang. As Sergeant Theiss led his point squad across an exposed rice paddy, it came under heavy enemy small arms fire. In the initial moments of the fire fight, the squad sustained several casualties, including Sergeant Theiss who was wounded twice. Ignoring his painful wounds, he quickly rallied his squad and directed covering fire while the wounded men were moved from the open area. Refusing medical aid, Sergeant Theiss encouraged his men and directed them to a position of relative safety. Then, completely disregarding the intense fire, he courageously moved into an exposed rice paddy and recovered a mortally wounded Marine. Although he was wounded a third time, he continued to refuse medical treatment until he was assured that every member of his squad was accounted for. His aggressive fighting spirit and inspiring leadership were instrumental in saving the lives of several Marines and contributed significantly to the successful accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his courageous actions, bold initiative and selfless devotion to duty, Sergeant Theiss upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.