The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Hospital Corpsman Third Class Alton W. Willeford (NSN: B-704802), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam serving as a Corpsman attached to Company M, Third Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, Ninth Marine Amphibious Brigade in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 25 January 1969, Company M was participating in a combat operation south of Chu Lai in Quang Ngai Province when two Marines detonated enemy mines, resulting in several casualties. Completely disregarding his own safety, Petty Officer Willeford fearlessly rushed into the hazardous area and commenced treating the casualties despite the possibility of further explosions. Realizing the necessity of immediately evacuating the seriously injured, he boldly executed several crossings of the minefield as he assisted the wounded to awaiting helicopters. Subsequently, when another explosive device was detonated, Petty Officer Willeford, although painfully wounded himself, refused medical aid and continued to care for his injured comrades until all the other casualties had been safely removed from the dangerous area. By his courage, sincere concern for his fellowmen and selfless devotion to duty at great personal risk, Petty Officer Willeford inspired all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.