The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the

SILVER STAR MEDAL to

2ndLt JERRY D. CHASE

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 Second Lieutenant Jerry David Chase, United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company I, 3d Battalion, 3d Marines, 3d Marine Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on 24 March 1967. While engaged in a search and clear mission in the vicinity of Cam Lo in Quang Tri Province, the lead platoon of Company I was entering a village complex when they suddenly came under intense enemy mortar, grenade, small arms and automatic weapons fire from well concealed, heavily-fortified bunkers, fighting holes and a network of trench line positions. Observing a North Vietnamese Army force attempting to outflank his unit, Second Lieutenant Chase, displaying exceptional tactical skill and leadership, quickly deployed his platoon on line in an attempt to reinforce the lead platoon. Immediately subjected to a heavy volume of enemy fire, his platoon was halted and two casualties were sustained. Observing his wounded men exposed to the concentrated hostile fire and within grenade distance of the enemy positions, Second Lieutenant Chase, with complete disregard for his own safety, courageously ran to the wounded Marines and provided protection for them by throwing grenades and firing his weapon at the enemy. Inspired by his fearless actions, which temporarily suppressed the enemy fire, his platoon began delivering such a heavy volume of fire on the hostile force that fire superiority was gained long enough for the wounded men to be evacuated to relatively secure positions. Returning to his platoon, he skillfully maneuvered his men into effective firing positions and directed accurate fire on the enemy. During the ensuing fire fight, two additional Marines were wounded and fell in positions exposed to the hostile fire. Although the platoons were being withdrawn in preparation for an air strike, Second Lieutenant Chase unhesitatingly ran to aid his wounded men. Taking their grenades, and with complete disregard for his personal safety, he fearlessly assaulted the enemy bunkers, destroying them and killing four North Vietnamese. When his platoon again achieved fire superiority ... (Remainder of Citation Missing).