The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the

 

SILVER STAR MEDAL to

 

SECOND LIEUTENANT EDWARD FRANCIS MCCOURT

 

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

 

For service as set forth in the following

 

CITATION:

 

                                    For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Leader with Company I, Third Battalion, Third Marines, Third Marine Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam.  During a company size search and clear operation near the Demilitarized Zone on 28 November 1966, Second   Lieutenant McCourt’s platoon observed three enemy soldiers leaving the area.  Quickly assuming the point position of the company, the platoon had started across a large open rice paddy in pursuit of the enemy when the unit received intense automatic weapons fire from an estimated platoon of North Vietnamese Regulars concealed in positions 100 meters from the Marines.  With complete disregard for his own safety, Second Lieutenant McCourt unhesitatingly dashed to the center of his platoon, under withering enemy automatic weapons fire, and fired tracers into the enemy positions to mark the targets for his men. Continuing to expose himself to the heavy enemy fire, he steadfastly remained in this position to direct and encourage his platoon. Simultaneously, he observed a Marine fall, wounded, during an attempt to rescue a casualty from the line of enemy fire. Fearlessly, he ran to the disabled Marines and , with the help of a companion, succeeded in pulling both men to safety. His daring and heroic actions undoubtedly prevented the enemy from overrunning his unit and saved the lives of the wounded men. By his courage, bold initiative, relentless determination, aggressive leadership and loyal devotion to duty at great personal risk, Second   Lieutenant McCourt upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.

 

 

FOR THE PRESIDENT

 

 

F. C. THARIN

MAJOR GENERAL, U. S. MARINE CORPS

ACTING COMMANDING GENERAL, FLEET MARINE FORCE, PACIFIC