The President of the United States takes pleasure in present the

BRONZE STAR MEDAL to

CORPORAL WILLIAM W. HERRINGTON

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

For service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

    "For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Corporal with Company M, Third Battalion, Third Marines, Third Marine Division on 9 December 1966, in the Republic of Vietnam, the Company was engaged in a sweep and destroy operation on Hill 200 in the Quang Tri Province.  Corporal Herrington’s platoon walked into an ambush and was pinned down by a heavy volume of automatic weapons fire.  Two Marines were wounded and pinned down in the same hole.  Without regard for his own personal safety, Corporal Herrington sprang forward to their position, and recalling previously learned first aid techniques, began administering first aid.  The enemy continued to deliver a high volume of fire on the three Marines.  Corporal Herrington waved off the Corpsman and elected to treat the stricken Marines by himself due to the danger involved the Corpsman crossing the open ground to the hole.  After signaling for the necessary medical gear to be thrown across the open space, Corporal Herrington calmly and skillfully dressed the wounds of his comrades.  After treating the men’s wounds it was apparent that they would require immediate evacuation.  While still under fire, Corporal Herrington carried, first one, and then the other wounded man to cover and subsequently to the rear for evacuation.  His heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him and undoubtedly saved the lives of the two Marines.  By his courage, bold initiative, and unwavering devotion to duty at great personal risk, Corporal Herrington upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service."

For the President

H. W. BUSE, JR.

LIEUTENANT GENERAL, U.S. MARINE CORPS

COMMANDING GENERAL, FLEET MARINE FORCE PACIFIC