The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the

SILVER STAR MEDAL to

Cpl ANSELMO CONTRERAS

United States Marine Corps

For service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Anselmo Contreras, United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Squad Leader with Company K, 3d Battalion, 3d Marines, 3d Marine Division, during combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 24 March 1967, during an assault on a fortified village in Quang Tri Province, Corporal Contreras' squad came under intense small arms and automatic weapons fire from a North Vietnamese Army force and the advance was temporarily halted. In the initial burst of fire, one of the squad members was seriously wounded and fell in an unprotected area 75 meters from friendly positions. Quickly assessing the situation, Corporal Contreras unhesitatingly and disregarding his own safety, rushed to the aid of the wounded Marine and began moving him to safety. However, after having moved approximately 25 meters, he sustained a serious head wound. Returning to friendly lines, he received first aid and, once more courageously exposing himself to the heavy hostile fire, went back to complete the evacuation of the casualty. Picking up his automatic rifle and providing his own cover fire, he succeeded in moving the wounded man to a place of relative safety. Observing another casualty, Corporal Contreras again exposed himself to the intense enemy fire. He ran to his aid and then, despite his own painful wound and exhaustion from loss of blood, steadfastly refused medical evacuation, and skillfully continued to direct his men in the assault. With bold determination and demonstrating superior leadership, he remained with them until the enemy force had been routed and only then did he allow himself to be evacuated. His outstanding professional skill and concern for the welfare of his comrades were an inspiration to all who observed him and undoubtedly saved the life of the seriously wounded Marine. By his exceptional professionalism, uncommon courage, and selfless devotion to duty, Corporal Contreras contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit's mission and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.he President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Anselmo Contreras, United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Squad Leader with Company K, 3d Battalion, 3d Marines, 3d Marine Division, during combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 24 March 1967, during an assault on a fortified village in Quang Tri Province, Corporal Contreras' squad came under intense small arms and automatic weapons fire from a North Vietnamese Army force and the advance was temporarily halted. In the initial burst of fire, one of the squad members was seriously wounded and fell in an unprotected area 75 meters from friendly positions. Quickly assessing the situation, Corporal Contreras unhesitatingly and disregarding his own safety, rushed to the aid of the wounded Marine and began moving him to safety. However, after having moved approximately 25 meters, he sustained a serious head wound. Returning to friendly lines, he received first aid and, once more courageously exposing himself to the heavy hostile fire, went back to complete the evacuation of the casualty. Picking up his automatic rifle and providing his own cover fire, he succeeded in moving the wounded man to a place of relative safety. Observing another casualty, Corporal Contreras again exposed himself to the intense enemy fire. He ran to his aid and then, despite his own painful wound and exhaustion from loss of blood, steadfastly refused medical evacuation, and skillfully continued to direct his men in the assault. With bold determination and demonstrating superior leadership, he remained with them until the enemy force had been routed and only then did he allow himself to be evacuated. His outstanding professional skill and concern for the welfare of his comrades were an inspiration to all who observed him and undoubtedly saved the life of the seriously wounded Marine. By his exceptional professionalism, uncommon courage, and selfless devotion to duty, Corporal Contreras contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit's mission and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.