Walter J. L. Griffin

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Walter J. L. Griffin (2450222), Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Machine Gunner with Company C, First Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 18 June 1969, Private First Class Griffin’s platoon was conducting a patrol in the Khe Sanh Valley, Quang Tri Province, when the Marines came under a heavy volume of automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenade fire from an estimated company-sized North Vietnamese Army force occupying well-concealed emplacements. Although seriously wounded during the initial moments of the fire fight, Private First Class Griffin commenced delivering devastatingly accurate fire against the enemy unit. Resolutely maintaining his exposed position, he enabled his platoon to reorganize and evacuate the injured to a position of relative safety. Steadfastly refusing medical attention, Private First Class Griffin completely disregarded his own painful wounds and continued to fire at the enemy until he was mortally wounded by a hostile hand grenade which impacted near him. His bold initiative and timely actions inspired all who observed him and contributed significantly to the defeat of the North Vietnamese Army force. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and selfless devotion to duty in the face of extreme personal danger, Private First Class Griffin upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.