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

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

               " For  heroic  achievement  in  connection with operations against insur- gent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the  Republic of Vietnam while serving  as a Crew Chief  with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 364.  On 22  July 1966, Staff Sergeant LAY  exhibited bold initiative  and fearless disregard  for  his own safety  during a mission in  which his aircraft  was assigned to insert a reconnaissance  team on a ridge  line in  Quan Tin Province. As  the team members in  the lead plane  debarked, a land mine was detonated and several casualties were sustained. As his  aircraft  landed to rescue  the stricken men,  Staff  Sergeant  LAY courageously  jumped from the cabin and hurried to  the side of the first casualty.  Undaunted by  the knowledge that  the area was mined,  he assisted in lifting the wounded  man into  his aircraft, then helped another  Marine to his  feet and guided him aboard. Staff Sergeant LAY's daring effort and unselfish concern for the welfare of others under extremely dangerous conditions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service".

Staff Sergeant LAY is authorized to wear the Combat "V".