Jose A. Telles

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Jose A. Telles (1410709), Staff Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Weapons Platoon Commander with Company D, 1st Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the night of 20 November 1969, while occupying a blocking position in an area southwest of DaNang, the defensive perimeter of Company D came under a vicious attack by a North Vietnamese Army force. Unhesitatingly rushing across the fire-swept terrain to a dangerously exposed vantage point, Staff Sergeant Telles skillfully adjusted illumination fire on all possible avenues of enemy approach and, when the illumination fire suddenly halted, again braved the hostile fire as he ran to the mortar emplacement. Finding that the base plate had become mired in mud, he resourcefully removed the mortar tube, placed it in his helmet on the ground and, wrapping the tube in his utility jacket, held the extremely hot weapon while a companion resumed firing. His heroic and determined actions inspired all who observed him and contributed significantly to the defeat of the determined North Vietnamese Army soldiers. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and steadfast devotion to duty in the face of extreme personal danger, Staff Sergeant Telles upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.