The  President of the United States  takes  pleasure  in presenting  the   BRONZE STAR MEDAL to

for service as set forth in the following

                 CITATION:

                          "For meritorious service  in connection with combat operations against  the enemy in  the Republic of Vietnam  while serving  with Company M, Third  Battalion,  Twenty-Sixth Marines,  Third  Marine  Division  from 17  July 1967  to 16  June 1968.  Throughout  this period,  Staff Sergeant  ECHOLS  per- formed  his demanding duties in  an exemplary and  highly professional manner. As a Platoon Sergeant,  he displayed initiative  and leadership far exceeding that normally expected of  a Marine of his rank  and contributed  significantly to  the efficiency  and  morale  of  his  unit.   On  numerous  occasions,  Staff   Sergeant ECHOLS  served  as  a  Platoon  Commander,  a  billet  normally  assigned  to a commissioned  officer,  and  repeatedly disregarded his  own safety to  maneuver his unit  against the enemy.  While his company  was deployed on Hill 881 South during  the siege of Khe Sanh,  he worked tirelessly to ensure the safety and wel- fare of his men despite constant North Vietnamese mortar and artillery fire.  His resolute  determination  and bold  initiative inspired  all who  observed  him and greatly enhanced  the combat posture of his company.  Staff Sergeant ECHOLS' exemplary leadership, outstanding  professional ability and steadfast devotion to duty throughout  contributed significantly  to the  accomplishment  of his  unit's mission and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service." 

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