The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lance Corporal Ray G. Tweten (MCSN: 2076003), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Fire Team Leader with Company G, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on 24 September 1966. During Operation PRAIRIE, in the Dong Ha Mountains of Quang Tri Province, Lance Corporal Tweten’s Company came under heavy mortar and automatic weapons fire from a regimental size North Vietnamese force. Despite the dense undergrowth and treacherous terrain, Lance Corporal Tweten, with complete disregard for his own safety, unhesitatingly assaulted an enemy machine gun position, which had pinned down his squad. Although wounded in the neck and leg during the assault, he courageously refused medical aid, picked up an automatic rifle and directed other Marines toward the concealed enemy positions. After personally destroying another enemy machine gun position with hand grenades, he assisted in recovering Marine casualties for evacuation and was again wounded. Although in need of medical attention, he provided flank security for the Company’s retrograde movement and personally killed an enemy sniper who had inflicted a number of Marine casualties during the engagement. Lance Corporal Tweten’s selfless devotion to duty, despite his own painful wounds, was instrumental in repulsing the enemy attack. His heroic actions and fearless determination inspired all who observed him. By his outstanding leadership, daring initiative, uncommon concern for the welfare of his fellow Marines and unwavering dedication to duty at great personal risk, Lance Corporal Tweten upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.