The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Jerry Davis Voyles (MCSN: 0-87983), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company C, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 28 March 1966, in Quang Ngai Province, First Lieutenant Voyles was moving his platoon as the reserve when the company became heavily engaged with a Viet Cong battalion. When two other platoons were unable to advance further and the command post was under violent fire, First Lieutenant Voyles’ unit was assigned to attack and seize the key terrain of the Viet Cong defense. Leading his men to an assault position about one hundred meters from the crest of the hill, he personally directed the attack against the numerically superior Viet Cong force. In the increasingly violent enemy fire, First Lieutenant Voyles remained in the forefront as the action turned into a vicious grenade-bayonet struggle. His demonstrated courage in the hail of fire and flying shrapnel served to inspire his men and motivate them to press the attack with a renewed spirit which resulted in overrunning the hostile positions. His valiant leadership was a significant factor in the success of the engagement in which more than thirty Viet Cong were killed and numerous weapons captured. By his extraordinary fortitude in the face of enemy fire, intrepid fighting spirit and selfless dedication to duty throughout, First Lieutenant Voyles upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.