Decoration: Silver Star
Theater: Republic of Vietnam
Reason: For Gallantry in Action

         Private First Class Demarais distinguished himself by heroic actions on 30 March 1970, while serving with Company A 2nd Battalion, 34th Armor in the Republic of Vietnam. While on a reconnaissance operation, an element of Company A came under intense rocket propelled grenade and small arms fire from a large enemy force. When three rocket propelled grenades struck the armored vehicle in which Private Demarais was riding, the vehicle commander was mortally wounded and another crew member was seriously injured. With complete disregard for his own safety, Private Demarais exposed himself to a hail of enemy fire as he climbed to the top of the vehicle to relay instructions to the driver.

       Private Demarais then began placing suppressive machine gun fire on the hostiles despite the fact that he had already been knocked twice from the vehicle from blast concussions. His valorous actions contributed immeasurably to the success of the mission, the bravery aggressiveness, and devotion to duty exhibited by Private Demarais are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, the 25th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.