The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the

SILVER STAR MEDAL to

Maj ROY E. DEFOREST

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 Major Roy E. DeForest, United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Operations Officer  of the Third Battalion, Third Marines, Third Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations  against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the afternoon of 17 June 1969, the Command Post and other  elements of the Third Battalion were established in a defensive position near Gio Linh in Quang Tri Province when  the Marines came under a vicious ground attack by a North Vietnamese Army force employing mortars, automatic  weapons and rocket-propelled grenades. Rapidly assessing the situation, Major DeForest repeatedly disregarded his  own safety to skillfully coordinate the firing of a variety of supporting arms with the defensive actions of the  Marines. On one occasion, when a group of hostile soldiers moved toward the Battalion Command Group, he  fearlessly engaged them at close quarters, killed one and forced the remainder to abandon their assault. Inspired by  his bold courage, the Marines fought with renewed vigor, killed thirty-five enemy soldiers and successfully repulsed  the North Vietnamese Army attack. By his courage, bold initiative, and steadfast devotion to duty during an  extremely critical situation, Major DeForest contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his command's  mission and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service."

FOR THE PRESIDENT

WILLIAM K. JONES

LIEUTENANT GENERAL, U. S. MARINE CORPS

COMMANDING GENERAL, FLEET MARINE FORCE, PACIFIC