The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal David Guy Theriault (MCSN: 2322217), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company F, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the evening of 2 February 1968, Corporal Theriault was Point Man for his unit as it advanced against North Vietnamese Army positions in the city of Hue. Suddenly, the Marines came under a heavy volume of fire, which mortally wounded Corporal Theriault’s squad leader. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, he immediately assumed command of the squad and then led several Marines into the fire-swept street to recover the casualty. Despite the intense enemy fire around him, he fearlessly stood in the middle of the street and, with an M-16 Rifle in each hand, provided covering fire for his men as they retrieved the mortally wounded Marine. The following day, Corporal Theriault led his men in an assault against the enemy-held Treasury Building. As his unit entered the building, the Marines met extremely heavy enemy resistance. Although Corporal Theriault and four of his men were wounded by grenade fragments, he calmly directed his men in moving the casualties to a covered position and then supervised their evacuation. Continuing to disregard his own injuries, he steadfastly refused medical aid until assured that the situation was under control and that his wounded comrades had been treated. By his leadership, aggressive fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Corporal Theriault contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.