The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Dennis James Zwirchitz (MCSN: 2381896), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Machine Gunner with Company H, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, Ninth Marine Amphibious Brigade, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 16 March 1968, Private First Class Zwirchitz’s platoon was assigned to assist a friendly unit which was heavily engaged with a large North Vietnamese Army force. Approaching the site of the beleaguered unit, he alertly observed several Marines attempting to move casualties from an area dangerously exposed to hostile fire. Disregarding his own safety, he unhesitatingly moved to a position between the friendly force and the hostile emplacements and provided a heavy volume of suppressive fire. Suddenly, hostile mortar fire wounded several of the Marines who were aiding the casualties. Ignoring the enemy rounds impacting near him, Private First Class Zwirchitz fearlessly ran across the fire-swept terrain and began assisting two Marines in moving a wounded man from the hazardous area. As they carried the casualty to a covered position, the enemy fire intensified. Reacting instantly, he placed his body on top of the wounded man to shield him from further injury and was mortally wounded by fragments from an exploding mortar round. By his courage and selfless devotion to duty, Private First Class Zwirchitz upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.