The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the

SILVER STAR MEDAL posthumously to

SSgt TERRANCE LEO MEIER

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 Staff Sergeant Terrance Leo Meier, United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Sergeant with Company M, Third Battalion, Third Marines, Third Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam, on 30 April 1967. During Operation Union II, near Khe Sanh in Quang Tri Province, Company M was assigned the mission of securing the eastern portion of Hill 881, a position commanding the northern approaches to the Khe Sanh complex. As the assault elements advanced toward the crest of the hill, with Staff Sergeant Meier's platoon following the lead element, the unit suddenly came under intense enemy mortar fire which inflicted numerous casualties. Upon learning that his platoon commander had been mortally wounded, Staff Sergeant Meier unhesitatingly assumed command of the platoon and continued the assault against the numerically superior enemy force. Demonstrating outstanding leadership and courage, he skillfully coordinated his unit's fire and encouraged his men throughout the six-hour fire fight. Subsequently, becoming separated from his platoon, he exhibited selfless dedication by remaining with six seriously wounded companions and providing protective fire for them until he was able to move the men to a captured enemy bunker. Displaying exceptional composure in the face of continuous enemy fire, he called in artillery fire on the Viet Cong from his vantage point. Subjected again to intense enemy fire, Staff Sergeant Meier and his companions were unable to join their unit until he requested 81-mm. mortar white phosphorus rounds to cover t heir movement. Largely due to his aggressive fighting spirit and professionalism, his platoon accounted for an estimated forty enemy killed during the fierce encounter. By his courageous actions, fearless determination and unswerving devotion to duty at great personal risk, Staff Sergeant Meier reflected the highest credit upon himself and his actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service."