The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Maurice P. Whitmer (MCSN: 2157170), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Squad Leader with Company D, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 15 February 1968, Company D was assaulting a large North Vietnamese Army force that was occupying the Arch Tower on the Hue City wall. As the Marines maneuvered forward, they began receiving a heavy volume of small arms and automatic weapons fire, and their movement was temporarily halted. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, Corporal Whitmer disregarded his own safety and skillfully maneuvered his squad across the fire-swept terrain to the point of heaviest contact. Ignoring the enemy fire impacting around him, he boldly moved forward through the intense fire, leading an assault against the hostile force which overran the enemy positions and enabled his company to seize its objective. During the early morning hours of the following day, the friendly unit came under intense mortar and rocket fire, followed by a ground attack which forced the Marines to withdraw to the other side of the wall. Although wounded during the attack, Corporal Whitmer ignored his painful injuries and, after quickly rallying his men, fearlessly led an aggressive counterattack against the enemy soldiers, which disrupted their assault and enabled his unit to regain its objective. His resolute determination and aggressive fighting spirit were an inspiration to all who observed him and contributed immeasurably to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his courage, bold initiative and selfless devotion to duty in the face of extreme personal danger, Corporal Whitmer upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.