The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lance Corporal Steven D. Wilkerson (MCSN: 2376520), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Squad Leader with Company M, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the night of 26 December 1968, the second platoon had established a night ambush southwest of DaNang when a platoon-size North Vietnamese Army force was detected near the Marines’ position. Disregarding his own safety, Lance Corporal Wilkerson, accompanied by two comrades, unhesitatingly pursued the hostile soldiers and, skillfully maneuvering his men, directed a heavy volume of grenade launcher and small arms fire at the enemy platoon in an attempt to direct them toward the Marine ambush. During the ensuing engagement, he was mortally wounded while engaging a small group of North Vietnamese Army soldiers in a hand grenade duel. His outstanding leadership and aggressive fighting spirit enabled his platoon to capture numerous documents containing valuable intelligence information. By his courage, bold initiative and unfaltering devotion to duty, Lance Corporal Wilkerson inspired all who served with him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.