For extraordinary heroism while serving as a platoon commander with Company A, First Battalion, Ninth Marines, Third Marine Division, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. Early on the afternoon of 22 February 1969, Second Lieutenant Malone’s platoon was moving as the lead element in a company-sized patrol north of the Ashau Valley in Quang Tri Province when it came under intense fire from a large North Vietnamese Army force well concealed in a heavily fortified bunker complex and was pinned down. Reacting instantly, Second Lieutenant Malone completely disregarded his own safety as he repeatedly exposed himself to hostile fire while moving among his men to encourage them and maneuver them out of the fire-swept area. Seriously wounded by fragments from an enemy mortar round, he ignored his own painful injuries as he directed the fire of his machine gunners and grenadiers against the North Vietnamese emplacements. Retrieving the radio from his wounded radio operator, he then led a coordinated assault until his platoon was halted by intense enemy cross-fire of machine guns and mortar, rocket-propelled grenades, small arms, and automatic weapons fire from bunkers and sniper positions in trees in the dense jungle canopy. With utter disregard for his own safety, he moved about the fire-swept area to transfer the casualties to covered positions and to reorganize his squads. Undaunted by the North Vietnamese rounds impacting around him, Second Lieutenant Malone boldly fired his light antitank assault weapon against the enemy bunker and hurled hand grenades as he fearlessly led four Marines on a daring charge against the hostile emplacement. Although he was again wounded and his four companions became casualties, he continued his attack and successfully destroyed the machine gun postion, killing six North Vietnamese soldiers. Weakened by his serious injuries and rendered unable to move, he continued to urge his men forward to exploit their advantage and continue the attack. His heroic actions inspired the Marines to such aggressive action in a coordinated company attack that 105 North Vietnamese soldiers were killed and the large bunker complex was destroyed. By his courage, bold initiative, and unwavering devotion to duty, Second Lieutenant Malone upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.

Mr. Malone joined the L.O.V. in 1978 and resides in Maryland