In carrying out its assigned mission of assisting in the evacuation of a reconnaissance team which was surrounded by North Vietnamese, Second Lieutenant Sherman’s platoon was attacked on two sides in great strength and rapidly encircled; heavy automatic weapons fire and grenades inflicted fifty percent casualties upon them.

With the North Vietnamese force threatening to overrun the position, Second Lieutenant Sherman, with complete disregard for his own safety, moved about through extremely heavy rifle and automatic weapons fire in full view of the enemy, directing the fire flight and giving encouragement to his men. The viciousness of the assault by the North Vietnamese pushed the defenders into tenuous secondary positions.

Second Lieutenant Sherman, undeterred by the five-to-one odds, rallied his remaining men and led a counterattack back across forty meters of open, fire-swept terrain, and regained the original positions. By this time the force had suffered sixty percent casualties and the situation was deteriorating rapidly.

Repeated attempts at evacuation were thwarted by the loss of four helicopters. Second Lieutenant Sherman bravely continued to move from position to position deploying his weapon, and shouting orders and words of encouragement until he was mortally wounded.

By his valiant leadership, outstanding courage and stirring example in the face of tremendous odds, he inspired his men and gave them the spirit to repulse the enemy and crush the attack. His steadfast devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.