The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lance Corporal Robert Lee Wallace (MCSN: 2311134), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Machine Gun Team Leader with Company L, Third Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 30 April 1968, Company L was attacking the village of Thon Cam Vu in Quang Tri Province when the Marines suddenly came under intense mortar, artillery and automatic weapons fire from a numerically superior North Vietnamese Army force. During the ensuing fire fight, the Marines became pinned down and sustained several casualties. Upon learning that all the members of another gun team had been seriously wounded, Lance Corporal Wallace unhesitatingly maneuvered across the fire-swept terrain and retrieved the team’s machine gun. Ignoring the hostile rounds impacting near him, he skillfully maneuvered to an advantageous position from which he directed accurate suppressive fire upon the enemy emplacements, enabling his unit to evacuate its wounded. After expending all his ammunition, he fearlessly moved about the hazardous terrain while recovering additional machine gun ammunition. Resolutely continuing his determined efforts, he resumed delivering highly effective fire against the hostile force, silencing a .30 caliber machine gun emplacement. His bold initiative and resolute determination inspired all who observed him and contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his courage, bold initiative and steadfast devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Lance Corporal Wallace upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.