The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Larry John Yeddo (MCSN: 2133031), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as an Amphibian Tractor Crew Chief with Company A, First Amphibian Tractor Battalion, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam on 5 December 1966. While in a column, five amphibian tractors were moving through an enemy infested area of Quang Nam Province, south of DaNang, when Corporal Yeddo’s tractor hit an enemy mine, rupturing its hull and fuel cells causing it to burst into flames. Immediately, the entire column came under small arms and automatic weapons fire from concealed enemy positions along both sides of the road. Corporal Yeddo was thrown into the air by the force of the exploding mine and landed on top of the tractor. Although he sustained multiple cuts and abrasions, he quickly assisted a crewman and one injured infantryman from the burning vehicle. Realizing that his driver was still in the tractor, Corporal Yeddo, although exposed to enemy small arms fire, returned to the burning vehicle which was in imminent danger of exploding. Disregarding his own safety, he entered the burning tractor, lifted the seriously wounded Marine from the vehicle and carried him to safety, seconds before the vehicle was consumed in flames and totally destroyed. His daring actions and uncommon endurance were instrumental in saving the lives of several Marines and an inspiration to all who observed him. By his extraordinary courage, bold initiative, and selfless devotion to duty under extremely hazardous conditions, Corporal Yeddo upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.