The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel Joseph R. Fisher (MCSN: 0-45857), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with the Regimental Landing Team 7 in Quang Ngai Province, Republic of Vietnam, from 18 to 24 August 1965. Lieutenant Colonel Fisher, the commanding Officer of Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, led his battalion from the initial landing to the successful conclusion of its part in Operation STARLIGHT. Without regard for his own personal safety or welfare, and with almost no sleep, he directed and inspired the men of his battalion during four days of continuous combat. When one of his companies was engaged with the enemy in a critical action, he personally supervised the operation from positions directly behind the advancing troops despite the heavy enemy fire to which he was exposed. His inspiring leadership and timely decisions resulted in 342 confirmed enemy killed and contributed extensively to the highly successful completion of Operation STARLITE. By his professional abilities, daring actions and loyal devotion to duty in the face of personal risk, Lieutenant Colonel Fisher upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.