The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the

 

SILVER STAR MEDAL posthumously to

 

PRIVATE FIRST CLASS STUART F. HEMP

 

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

 

For service as set forth in the following

 

CITATION:

 

                                    For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Fire Team Leader with Company L, Third Battalion, Third Marines, Third Marine Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 22 August 1969, the Third Platoon was conducting a patrol north of the Vandergrift Combat Base when Private First Class Hemp and the two lead squads were pinned down by a heavy volume of automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenade fire from a large North Vietnamese Army force occupying a fortified bunker complex. Realizing that several wounded men had fallen in dangerously exposed positions, Private First Class Hemp, with complete disregard for his own safety, maneuvered across the fire-swept terrain to the side of his companions and, in two successful, hazardous attempts, moved two of his comrades to covered locations. Braving the intense enemy fire for a third time, he was moving toward another casualty when he was seriously wounded. Although realizing his need for immediate medical attention but, unwilling to risk other Marine lives during an attempt to evacuate him from his completely exposed position, Private First Class Hemp steadfastly refused to allow his companions to come to his aid and subsequently succumbed to his extensive injuries. His heroic and determined actions inspired all who observed him and save the lives of two fellow Marines.  By his courage, selfless concern for his fellow man and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, Private First Class Hemp upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.

 

 

FOR THE PRESIDENT

 

 

H. W. BUSE, JR.

LIEUTENANT GENERAL, U. S. MARINE CORPS

COMMANDING GENERAL, FLEET MARINE FORCE, PACIFIC