The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a gold   star in lieu of the second BRONZE STAR MEDAL to

for service as set forth in the following

               CITATION:

                      "For heroic achievement in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam while serving as a Machine Gun Squad Leader  with  Company  M,  Third  Battalion,  Twenty-Sixth  Marines,  Third Marine Division.  On 18 June 1968, Company M  was assigned the mission of occupying  positions on Hill 51  in Quang Nam Province  in order to  provide security for a  large convoy.  When the Marines subsequently came  under an intense  North Vietnamese mortar attack and withdrew to  the reverse side of the hill.  Corporal  PARKER  unhesitatingly  led a machine gun  team across the fire-swept crest of the  hill to provide covering fire for a forward observer team  which  was pinned down  by  automatic  weapons  fire.  With  complete disregard  for  his own  safety, he  positioned  his  machine gun team  on  the exposed slope of the hill and began directing effective fire  against the enemy. Returning across the  fire-swept hill on two separate occasions  for additional ammunition,  Corporal  PARKER maintained  his exposed  position for nine hours, providing uninterrupted  suppressive fire at  the hostile force while the forward  observer  team  continued  to  adjust  supporting  fires  against  the enemy  positions.  His steadfast determination and  aggressive  fighting  spirit inspired all  who observed  him and contributed significantly to the  accomp- lishment of  his unit's mission.  Corporal PARKER's courage, bold  initiative and steadfast devotion to duty at great personal risk were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service."

Corporal PARKER is authorized to wear the Combat "V".