The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the

SILVER STAR MEDAL to

LCpl THURMAN B. YATES

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 Lance Corporal Thurman B. Yates, United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Gunner in the 81-mm. Mortar Platoon with the 3d Battalion, 3d Marines, 3d Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, on 24 March 1967, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. During a search and clear operation north of Cam Lo in Quang Tri Province, Lance Corporal Yates and his gun team were manning a position within the platoon's defensive perimeter. Suddenly, the platoon came under intense mortar fire from a concealed North Vietnamese Army force. With complete disregard for his own safety, Lance Corporal Yates unhesitatingly left the relative safety of his covered position and dashed to his mortar emplacement. Although enemy rounds were landing all around him, he delivered rapid and well controlled counter mortar fire on the suspected enemy positions. He steadfastly remained in his perilous position until he was critically wounded by an enemy mortar round which impacted on the base plate of his weapon. By his extraordinary heroism, aggressive fighting spirit and inspiring devotion to duty at great personal risk, Lance Corporal Yates upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.