The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Philip Spence Weigand (MCSN: 0-78959), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as the Commanding Officer of Company C, First Tank Battalion, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 26 May 1967, while in an area heavily infested with the enemy, Captain Weigand was informed that one of his company’s tanks had sustained extensive damage from a large caliber, high explosive round and that a fire was raging in the fighting compartment where sixty rounds of highly explosive 90-mm. ammunition was stored. Immediately ordering all personnel to remain clear of the burning vehicle, he rushed to the tank with as many extinguishers as he could carry, climbed to the top of the turret and began to fight the fire. After expending his supply of extinguishers, and observing that the fire was only partially extinguished, Captain Weigand, disregarding his own safety, fearlessly reentered the tank and, with his bare hands, ripped out the electrical wiring and other burning material. Then, despite the imminent threat of an explosion, he calmly sorted the ammunition and courageously removed the dangerously hot ordnance from the tank. His exceptional presence of mind and resolute determination were instrumental in saving the tank from total destruction and undoubtedly prevented numerous casualties. By his courage, bold initiative and selfless devotion to duty, Captain Weigand was an inspiration to all who served with him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.