Roger G. Lyons

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Roger G. Lyons (2369478), Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving, with Company E, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, Ninth Marine-Amphibious Brigade in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the morning of 9 February 196S, Private First Glass Lyons was a member of a reinforced squad conducting a patrol west of Camp J. J. Carroll, Suddenly, the Marines came under intense automatic weapons fire from a well concealed North Vietnamese Army force and, in the initial burst of fire, a wounded Marine fell in an area dangerously exposed to the hostile fire. With complete disregard for his own safety, Private First Class LYONS unhesitatingly left his position and ran to the side of the injured man. As enemy fire impacted around him, he fearlessly used his own body as a shield to protect the casualty and was mortally wounded. His heroic action and sincere concern for the welfare of his wounded companion were an inspiration to all who observed him. By his courage, bold initiative and selfless devotion to duty, Private First Class Lyons upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.