The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Corporal Wayne L. Heinlein (ASN: RA-13987836), United States Army, for heroism in ground combat against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam on 17 September 1968. Corporal Heinlein distinguished himself while serving as a cannoneer for Battery C, 2d Battalion, 319th Artillery, about fifteen kilometers north of Trung Lap, Hau Nghia Province, Republic of Vietnam. Late on the night of 17 September 1968, Battery C was called on to fire for a fire support base which was under heavy enemy attack. As the cannoneers rushed to their guns, mortar rounds began impacting in their area. Without hesitation, Corporal Heinlein rushed toward his gun, encouraging other members of the gun crew to follow him. He immediately worked to get the gun into action. Throughout the night, Corporal Heinlein remained on the gun, and fired consistently, as the battle raged at the nearby fire support base. Through his courage and professional actions, he contributed immeasurably to the successful defense of the fire support base and the defeat of a large enemy force. Corporal Heinlein’s personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.