The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lance Corporal Henry L. Wilson (MCSN: 2359352), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Fire Team Leader with Company B, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 31 May 1968, during a company search and destroy operation southeast of the Khe Sanh Combat Base, the lead elements came under a heavy volume of enemy automatic weapons fire, sustaining several casualties. Reacting instantly, Lance Corporal Wilson unhesitatingly rushed to the aid of the wounded Marines who lay in an area dangerously exposed to the continuous hostile fire and evacuated one man to a covered area. Undaunted by a violent enemy hand grenade attack, he repeatedly returned to the fire-swept area to evacuate the injured men. On one occasion, Lance Corporal Wilson placed a seriously wounded comrade across his shoulders and, disregarding his own safety, ran fifteen meters through the enemy barrage to an aid station. After all the casualties had been evacuated, he then assisted in treating the lesser wounded, rendering them words of comfort and companions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in saving the lives of several Marines. By his outstanding courage, bold initiative and selfless devotion to duty in the face of extreme personal danger, Lance Corporal Wilson upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.