The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the

 

SILVER STAR MEDAL to

 

STAFF SERGEANT LARRY P. FISHER

 

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

 

For service as set forth in the following

 

CITATION:

 

                                    For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Platoon Sergeant with Company L, Third Battalion, Third Marines, Third Marine Division in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam.  On 7 November 1968, Company L was conducting a search and destroy operation near the Demilitarized Zone in Quang Tri Province when the detonation of an enemy explosive device caused the unit to sustain several casualties.  Rapidly assessing the situation, Staff Sergeant Fisher realized that the point element had entered a hostile minefield and directed everyone to remain in position.  Observing a seriously wounded Marines lying nearby he utilized his bayonet as a probe, and clearing a path to the man’s side, commenced treating his injuries.  Realizing the casualty required more professional treatment; he again probed the ground with his bayonet to clear a path and, obtaining a Corpsman, returned with him to assist him in the lifesaving efforts.  When the Corpsman had completed caring for the wounded Marine, Staff Sergeant Fisher on three more occasions, fearlessly provided safe routes to other injured men. After requesting a medical evacuation helicopter, he proceeded to utilize the same method for preparing a safe landing zone.  When the aircraft had embarked the casualties, he returned to the mined area despite intermittent enemy rocket and artillery fire and commenced gathering the injured Marines’ weapons and equipment.  By his courage, bold initiative and unfaltering devotion to Staff Sergeant was instrumental in saving the lives of several Marines and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.

 

 

 

FOR THE PRESIDENT

 

 

 

H. W. BUSE, JR.

LIEUTENANT GENERAL, U. S. MARINE CORPS

COMMANDING GENERAL, FLEET MARINE FORCE, PACIFIC