The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to

CHIEF BOATSWAIN'S MATE LUTHER HALL,JR. UNITED STATES NAVY for service as set forth in the following:

CITATION

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy on 17 February 1968, while serving as Craftmaster of LCU 1624, Lighterage Branch, Operations Division, U.S. Naval Support Activity, Danang, Republic of Vietnam. After transiting the Perfume River under intense enemy fire with a cargo of black powder for the United States and Republic of Vietnam Military Forces fighting to regain and hold the besieged city of Hue, Chief Petty Officer HALL beached the LCU 1624 at the Hue Ramp next to two other craft. A heavy rocket and mortar attack hit the ramp area and the middle craft sustained a direct hit and burst into flames. Chief Petty Officer HALL immediately grasped the potentially dangerous situation of the burning craft between two others containing black powder and fuel and observing that the burning craft had been abandoned, he organized a fire fighting team from his craft. With complete disregard for his own safety and while under enemy small arms fire and a rocket attack, he led his fire fighting team on board the burning craft and succeeded in extinguishing the fire. By his initiative, professionalism, and heroism, Chief Petty Officer HALL prevented the Hue Ramp from sustaining serious damage or being destroyed, which would have seriously jeopardized the mission of the U.S. and ARVN fighting forces. By his outstanding performance of duty, Chief Petty Officer HALL made a substantial contribution to the ability of his command to accomplish its mission and his actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.