The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Willard H. Till, Jr. (MCSN: 2339848), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Machine Gunner with Company E, Second Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 23 April 1969, Private First Class Till’s squad was deployed to reinforce a friendly unit which was in heavy contact with the enemy near Cam Lo in Quang Tri Province. As his squad was maneuvering through a forest to the forward position, it was pinned down when it came under intense small arms fire from a large North Vietnamese Army force entrenched in a bunker complex. Fearlessly exposing himself to the hostile fire, Private First class Till quickly positioned his machine gun and began delivering a heavy volume of fire on the enemy. During the ensuing fire fight, the boldly maneuvered across the hazardous terrain and, firing his weapon from the hip, suppressed the hostile fire while his companions maneuvered to more advantageous positions. With complete disregard for his own safety, he advanced to a point only ten meters from the enemy and was firing directly into the bunker when he was wounded by an exploding grenade. Before succumbing to his wounds, Private First Class Till, in a determined effort, threw his weapon toward a friendly position out of reach of the enemy. His heroic actions inspired his fellow Marines and contributed immeasurably to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his extraordinary courage, bold fighting spirit and selfless devotion to duty, Private First Class till upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.