In the name of the President of the United States, the Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific takes pleasure in  presenting the

SILVER STAR MEDAL to

                  Corporal Billy Fowler Wade

                        

For service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Billy Fowler Wade (MCSN: 2061433), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Squad Leader with Company H, Second Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 25 June 1966, Corporal Wade's Company was assigned to form part of a blocking force. During the afternoon, the Company observed a Marine medical evacuation helicopter crash to their direct front, in a tree line. A platoon which was dispatched to render assistance to the crew and four casualties who were aboard became pinned down by intense sniper fire. Directed to envelop the sniper position, Corporal Wade led his men into the tree line, immediately killing four Viet Cong. His squad suddenly came under heavy fire from an estimated twenty to thirty well entrenched and concealed enemy. Despite heavy casualties, he expertly directed his squad in returning fire. At this time, he was shot in the side, but selfless continued to direct the evacuation of all the other wounded, sustaining a second wound in his arm during the process. Refusing evacuation, Corporal Wade provided covering fire, returning to friendly lines only after assuring himself that all his men were safely removed. His daring actions, with complete disregard for his own safety, accounted for ten Viet Cong dead by body count and were responsible for the rescue of the downed helicopter and its eight occupants. By his inspiring leadership and extraordinary devotion to duty, Corporal Wade upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.

For the President,

V.H. KRULAK

LIEUTENANT GENERAL, U.S. MARINE CORPS

COMMANDING

United States Marine Corps

Headquarters, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific

FPO, San Francisco. 96601

Billy Fowler Wade