Melvin L. Allen

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Melvin L. Allen (2232029), Lance Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, for gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with Battalion Landing Team 1/3 in the Republic of Vietnam on 4 May 1967. As a fire Team Leader with the Third Platoon, Company D, First Battalion, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division, Lance Corporal Allen was on a search and destroy operation in Tinh Quang Nam Province during Operation BEAVER CAGE. The Third Platoon came upon an open area before reaching An Xuan village. The Third Squad, deployed on the right flank before moving to the village, was caught in the open and pinned down by heavy automatic weapons and accurate sniper fire from a numerically superior Viet Cong force of company size, and sustained several casualties. Lance Corporal Allen, with full knowledge of the hazards involved and with complete disregard for his own safety, repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire in an attempt to aid the wounded Marines. He was mortally wounded on his fourth attempt. Lance Corporal Allen’s daring actions and loyal devotion to duty in the face of the enemy reflected great credit upon himself and the Marine Corps, and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.