The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the

BRONZE STAR MEDAL to

CORPORAL JERRY R. WALPOLE

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION

"For heroic achievement in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam while serving as a Squad Leader with Company M, Third Battalion, Third Marines, Third Marine Division.  On 3 March 1968, Corporal WALPOLE's unit was conducting a company-size operation near Con Thien in Quang Tri Province when it came under intense automatic weapons fire from a North Vietnamese Army bunker complex pinning down his squad.  Reacting instantly, he armed himself with a machine gun and several belts of ammunition, obtained several fragmentation hand grenades and a light antitank assault weapon and attacked a well-camouflaged enemy machine gun emplacement single-handed.  Unsuccessful with his machine gun and beyond grenade range, he directed his squad to provide covering fire as he fearlessly exposed himself to enemy fire in order to pinpoint the hostile emplacement.  Having located the position, he then maneuvered forward and destroyed the enemy emplacement with a light antitank assault weapon.  Directing his men to withdraw, he remained in position to provide covering fire when the area came under hostile mortar fire, wounding several of his men.  After supervising the withdrawal of his casualties, he returned to his machine gun position and was wounded by mortar fragments.  Refusing medical aid, he steadfastly remained in position until assured that all his men had reached safety.  Corporal WALPOLE's inspiring courage, steadfast determination and selfless devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service."

Corporal WALPOLE is authorized to wear the Combat "V".

For the President

F. C. THARIN

MAJOR GENERAL, U. S. MARINE CORPS

ACTING COMMANDING GENERAL