Frederick J. Falk, Jr.

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lance Corporal Frederick J. Falk, Jr. (MCSN: 2322062), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Grenadier with Company I, Third Battalion, First Marines, Ninth Marine Amphibious Brigade. On 26 January 1968, during Operation SALINE, Lance Corporal Falk was participating in a company assault on the village of Lam Xuan in Quang Tri Province when his unit became heavily engaged with a North Vietnamese Army force. Observing a seriously wounded Marine lying in a forward position exposed to the hostile fire, Lance Corporal Falk removed his protective equipment to enable him to move more rapidly and unhesitatingly ran across the fire-swept terrain to the side of the wounded man. Then, with complete disregard for his own safety, Lance Corporal Falk used his own body to shield the casualty from further injury as he assisted him across approximately forty meters of open terrain towards a more secure area. Although Lance Corporal Falk was killed before reaching a covered position, his courageous actions enabled his wounded companion to reach the area safely. By his courageous actions, bold initiative and unfaltering devotion to duty, Lance Corporal Falk upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.