SILVER STAR MEDAL to STAFF SERGEANT LARRY P. FISHER UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS For service as set forth in the following CITATION: FOR THE
PRESIDENT H. W. BUSE,
JR. LIEUTENANT
GENERAL, U. S. MARINE CORPS COMMANDING
GENERAL, FLEET MARINE FORCE, PACIFIC
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting
the
For
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Platoon
Sergeant with Company L, Third Battalion, Third Marines, Third Marine
Division in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the
Republic of Vietnam. On 7 November
1968, Company L was conducting a search and destroy operation near the
Demilitarized Zone in Quang Tri Province when the detonation of an enemy
explosive device caused the unit to sustain several casualties. Rapidly assessing the situation, Staff
Sergeant Fisher realized that the point element had entered a hostile
minefield and directed everyone to remain in position. Observing a seriously wounded Marines
lying nearby he utilized his bayonet as a probe, and clearing a path to the
man’s side, commenced treating his injuries. Realizing the casualty required more professional treatment;
he again probed the ground with his bayonet to clear a path and, obtaining
a Corpsman, returned with him to assist him in the lifesaving efforts. When the Corpsman had completed caring
for the wounded Marine, Staff Sergeant Fisher on three more occasions,
fearlessly provided safe routes to other injured men. After requesting a
medical evacuation helicopter, he proceeded to utilize the same method for
preparing a safe landing zone. When
the aircraft had embarked the casualties, he returned to the mined area
despite intermittent enemy rocket and artillery fire and commenced
gathering the injured Marines’ weapons and equipment. By his courage, bold initiative and
unfaltering devotion to Staff Sergeant was instrumental in saving the lives
of several Marines and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps
and of the United States Naval Service.
