The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Emmett D. Westbrook (MCSN: 2124724), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as an Ammunition Carrier with Company F, Second 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 4 March 1966, during Operation UTAH, Private First Class Westbrook was serving with the First Platoon in the vicinity of Chau Nhai, Quang Ngai Province, when the Company was subjected to increasingly heavy fire from hostile machine guns, automatic weapons and small arms. Bearing the brunt of the devastating attack, the First Platoon was responsible for the protection of the left flank. Vicious fire from well entrenched enemy forces on their front, flank and rear pinned down the unit and wounded several Marines, including Private First Class Westbrook. As the fighting continued, several heavily armed Viet Cong attempted to envelop the Platoon’s left flank. Completely ignoring his suffering from the wound and stubbornly refusing medical attention and evacuation, Private First Class Westbrook reacted to the enemy threat with swift aggressiveness. Running up the trail toward the Viet Cong, he engaged the enemy in violent close combat, firing his rifle and throwing grenades which killed seven of the enemy. Completely exposed to the unrelenting hostile fire, he rushed across the trail and succeeded in securing the left flank. His valiant and daring action averted almost certain disaster for his Platoon. By his uncommon courage in the face of enemy fire, brilliant initiative and selfless dedication to duty, Private First Class Westbrook upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.