SILVER STAR

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

SECOND LIEUTENANT WAYNE HARRIS BRANDON

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

For service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

          For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Rifle Platoon Commander and subsequently as Executive Officer of Company K, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Marine Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the evening of 6 September 1967, during Operation Swift, Company K was assigned the mission of reinforcing another unit that was heavily engaged with a large North Vietnamese Army force. Upon reaching the besieged unit, Second Lieutenant BRANDON led a patrol out of the defensive positions to search for casualties who were separated from their unit. Returning through the darkness with his patrol and six wounded Marines, he observed enemy emplacements that were delivering intense automatic weapons fire and mortar fire on Company K. Disregarding his own safety, he repeatedly exposed himself to the hostile fire in order to pinpoint the enemy locations to his men and enable his unit to bring accurate suppressive fire against the hostile force thereby relieving the pressure on his company. Wounded by fragments from an enemy grenade, he disregarded his painful injury and during the ensuing fire fight, led his men in silencing two machine guns and two mortar positions. Upon reaching his company, he established the platoon in the defensive perimeter just prior to a determined enemy assault. When the company executive officer was seriously wounded, Second Lieutenant BRANDON immediately assumed his duties and, firing a rifle and throwing grenades, maneuvered about the fire-swept terrain from one position to another directing the fire of the company and shouting words of encouragement to his men. Refusing medical aid for his own wound, he assisted the company commander in reorganizing the company after repulsing the enemy attack and, throughout the remainder of the night, continuously inspected the defensive positions. Only after ensuring that all other casualties had received medical aid did he allow himself to be treated. His aggressive fighting spirit and heroic efforts were an inspiration to all who served with him and contributed immeasurably to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his steadfast courage, bold initiative and selfless devotion to duty at great personal risk, Second Lieutenant BRANDON upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.

For the President,

V. H. KRULAK

LIEUTENANT GENERAL, U. S. MARINE CORPS

COMMANDING GENERAL, FLEET MARINE FORCE, PACIFIC