The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the

SILVER STAR MEDAL posthumously to

Sgt LUCIOUS L. EVERETT

United States Marine Corps

For service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

    " The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant Lucious L. Everett, United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Squad Leader of the Third Platoon, Company M, Third Battalion, Third Marines, Third Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in the Republic of Vietnam on 9 December 1966. During Operation PRAIRIE, Sergeant Everett and his platoon were participating in a company-size search and destroy mission on Hill 200 near the Demilitarized Zone. In the early morning Sergeant Everett was leading the point squad on a search of a series of caves in the area when his unit ran into an enemy ambush. The squad was immediately pinned down by vicious cross fire from automatic weapons, small arms and machine guns. Instantaneously and instinctively, Sergeant Everett, with complete disregard for his own safety, bravely exposed himself to the withering enemy fire and deployed his squad for an assault on the entrenched enemy's position. While most of his men were able to maneuver under cover, he remained constantly exposed and boldly led his squad. Sergeant Everett calmly and courageously continued to effect well aimed rifle fire with his own weapon on the enemy until he fell, mortally wounded. With his inspiring leadership and intrepid actions, his unit gained undisputed fire superiority over the enemy, forcing them to break contact and withdraw. Sergeant Everett's valiant fighting spirit and unselfish devotion to duty upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country."