The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Gary G. Todd (MCSN: 0-105100), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company D, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 24 June 1969, as Company D was conducting a search and destroy operation in mountainous terrain of the An Hoa Combat Base, the Marines came under a heavy volume of automatic weapons and small arms fire which stalled the momentum of their advance. Pinpointing the source of fire as a platoon of North Vietnamese Army soldiers strategically located in high rocks, Second Lieutenant Todd skillfully maneuvered his platoon in a flanking movement and, as the Marines approached the enemy position, the hostile soldiers commenced delivering a heavy volume of hand grenades and small arms and automatic weapons fire from behind the protective cover of the large rocks. With complete disregard for his own safety, Second Lieutenant Todd shouted encouragement and fire directions to his men to maintain the momentum of the attack and, as he was racing across the fire-swept terrain was seriously wounded. Despite his painful injury, he steadfastly refused to be treated and resolutely continued his determined efforts to destroy the enemy. When a grenade landed between him and one of his squad leaders, he quickly pushed the squad leader aside just before the lethal object detonated, was again severely wounded, then absorbed the full effect of the exploding grenade. Although wounded three times and unable to continue his combat efforts, Second Lieutenant Todd resolutely remained alert and, issuing instructions to the Corpsman and his squad leaders, exhorted them to continue the attack. His valiant and bold actions inspired all who observed him and provided the extra incentive which was instrumental in his platoon’s overrunning the objective, killing numerous hostile soldiers, and seizing several items of enemy weaponry. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, Second Lieutenant Todd 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.