The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the

SILVER STAR MEDAL to

PFC HAROLD A. CROFT

United States Marine Corps

For service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

    " The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Harold Allan Croft, United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Rifleman with Company K, Third Battalion, Third Marines, Third Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, on 25 March 1967, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. During a search and clear operation in Quang Tri Province, Private First Class Croft's unit was advancing across an open field when he observed eight North Vietnamese soldiers running toward a hedgerow. Reacting instantly, he opened fire on the enemy, but a sudden burst of intense automatic weapons and small arms fire from the hedgerow temporarily halted his unit's advance. Unhesitatingly and with complete disregard for his own safety, Private First Class Croft began maneuvering in an attempt to flank the entrenched enemy positions. With one Marine providing cover, he advanced to within ten meters of the North Vietnamese and began throwing grenades into the trenchline. Although under heavy enemy fire, he daringly continued his advance, undaunted by an enemy round which struck his helmet. Despite determined North Vietnamese resistance, he accurately placed his grenades, enabling his squad to close with the enemy and destroy their positions. During the vicious fire fight, he personally killed two North Vietnamese and wounded an undetermined number. As a result of his daring and heroic actions, his unit accounted for six enemy confirmed killed, four automatic weapons, two rifles and numerous medical supplies and equipment captured. By his bold initiative, inspiring leadership and unwavering dedication to duty at great personal risk, Private First Class Croft upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service."