The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Douglas W. Whitfield (MCSN: 2232071), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Radio Operator with Company I, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, on 12 November 1966 in connection with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. Attached to the 81-mm. Mortar Section of the Third Platoon, Private First Class Whitfield’s unit was providing security for the village of An Trach (1) near DaNang when it came under attack from a large force of Viet Cong using satchel charges, grenades, automatic weapons and semiautomatic rifle fire. The enemy had penetrated the perimeter defense and was exploding charges in the interior of the compound, destroying all buildings, and emplacements and bunkers in the vicinity. Numerous Marines were killed and others were wounded, including Private First Class Whitfield, who suffered multiple fragmentation wounds. Even though he was severely wounded and suffering from shock, he quickly realized the seriousness of the situation and began searching for communications equipment that had not been damaged. Discovering that the explosives had completely destroyed the radios and field telephones located in the command post, he remembered the location of a radio used for fire direction missions and retrieved it. Searching the radio net for an open frequency on which he would call for help, he located a station that could monitor his traffic and direct him to his command net. For the ensuing hour and forty-five minutes, he courageously disregarded his painful wounds to remain at his post, relaying valuable information to the relief force and directing them to his unit’s position. Although lacking experience as a Forward Observer, he assumed control of the situation and skillfully called in artillery fire missions which forced the Viet Cong to break contact. He also offered medical aid and words of encouragement to fellow Marines who were casualties. Demonstrating exceptional resourcefulness, he devised a plan to insure the safe linkup of his beleaguered unit and the relief force. Lacking signal equipment, he requested the reinforcing elements to fire flares and directed his own men to reply with warning shots. His plan was extremely effective and resulted in the subsequent rescue of his unit. His heroic efforts undoubtedly saved the lives of his comrades and prevented the enemy from overrunning his section’s position. By his initiative, resourcefulness, inspiring leadership and loyal devotion to duty, Private First Class Whitfield upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.