SILVER STAR

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the SILVER STAR MEDAL posthumously to

LANCE CORPORAL GARY R. BOECK

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

For service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

          For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Grenadier with Company L, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Marine Division in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 6 January 1971, while patrolling in the Que Son region of Quang Nam Province, Lance Corporal Boeck’s squad came under a heavy volume of automatic weapons fire from North Vietnamese Army soldiers occupying well concealed emplacements in the dense jungle growth and, during the initial moments of the assault, Lance Corporal Boeck was seriously wounded. Realizing the strategic value of his position at the head of the squad and instantly aware of the need for immediate reaction, he quickly directed his companions to deploy into more effective fighting positions. From his vulnerable location in full view of the hostile soldiers, he commenced delivering rapid grenade launcher fire at the enemy and, although sustaining additional painful injuries while thus engaged, vigorously continued his determined efforts until he was mortally wounded by hostile fire. His heroic and valiant actions inspired all who observed him and provided the other members of his squad the time and opportunity to achieve fire superiority and defeat the North Vietnamese Army force. By his courage, bold initiative, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, Lance Corporal Boeck 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,

WILLIAM K JONES

LIEUTENANT GENERAL, U.S. MARINE CORPS

COMMANDING GENERAL, FLEET MARINE FORCE, PACIFIC