Terry Roland Green

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Terry Roland Green (2152200), Lance Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as an Assistant Machine Gunner with the Third Platoon, Company E, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, on 20 December 1967, in connection with operations against insurgent Communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. During a company search and clear operation near Bao An Tay, Lance Corporal Green’s platoon was moving to a position from which it could cover the company’s advance across an open rice paddy when it was taken under heavy enemy automatic weapons fire. In the initial burst of fire, Lance Corporal Green’s machine gunner was wounded. Unhesitatingly assuming duties as gunner, he immediately set up the machine gun and delivered an accurate volume of first on the enemy positions. He effectively suppressed the Viet Cong fire, enabling his platoon and the remainder of the company to safely cross the open area. Continuing its mission, Company E made contact with well-entrenched elements of a Viet Cong battalion. When it came under vicious enemy fire, the point squad of Lance Corporal Green’s platoon was halted in the open and suffered three serious casualties. With complete disregard for his own safety, Lance Corporal Green courageously crawled forward to the exposed squad’s position with extra ammunition. Despite intense enemy fire, he courageously moved his machine gun to a position forward of the pinned down squad and directed extremely effective fire on the enemy positions. Repeatedly exposing himself to heavy Viet Cong fire, he was instrumental in providing covering fire for the evacuation of the wounded. He steadfastly remained in this perilous position until all the casualties had been evacuated and the squad had reached a more secure area. He was among the last to leave the hazardous forward area. His heroism and selfless actions under hostile fire undoubtedly prevented additional casualties to his unit and inspired all who observed him. By his bold initiative, exceptional courage, outstanding professional skill and selfless devotion to duty at great personal risk, Lance Corporal Green upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.