The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Walter Lee Marcantel, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed force, while serving with Command and Control Detachment, South, , 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special forces, in action against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. First Lieutenant Marcantel distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 24 April 1969 as third in command of a platoon-size reconnaissance force operating deep within enemy-held territory. As soon as his element disembarked from their helicopters, the enemy opened fire from automatic and semi-automatic weapons located on three sides of the landing zone. Although wounded himself, First Lieutenant Marcantel assumed command when the other officers sustained critical wounds. He immediately called in bombs and napalm on the hostile positions which were dangerously close to his men. Enemy activity after the air strikes slackened, and the platoon was safely evacuated. First Lieutenant Maacantel’s gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Military Service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.