The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lance Corporal Ronald T. Varney (MCSN: 2374153), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as an Ammunition Man with Headquarters and Service Company, Third Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the night of 24 February 1969, Lance Corporal Varney was at his position on his unit’s defensive perimeter in an area southwest of Quang Tri City when his machine gun emplacement came under a heavy volume of rocket-propelled grenade and mortar fire which seriously wounded all members of his team. Ignoring the pain of his severe injury, Lance Corporal Varney, effectively utilizing his machine gun, defended his position against a hostile ground attack until a fellow Marine was able to reach him and man the weapon. Undaunted by his rapidly weakening condition, Lance Corporal Varney, in a determined attempt to halt the enemy advance, then resolutely fed ammunition into the machine gun with one hand and fired his rifle with the other until he succumbed to his wounds. His heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in the subsequent defeat of the hostile unit. By his courage, resolute determination and unwavering devotion to duty, Lance Corporal Varney upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.