FPO, SAN FRANCISCO, 96602

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the

SILVER STAR MEDAL to

HOSPITAL CORPSMAN THIRD CLASS DOMINIC RONCHETTO

UNITED STATES NAVY

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Corpsman with Company L, Third Battalion, Third Marines in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 3 March 1968, while occupying a defensive position east of Con Thien, Petty Officer RONCHETTO’s platoon suddenly came under intense small arms and automatic weapons fire from a numerically superior North Vietnamese Army force. Reacting instantly, he supplied the Marines with vitally needed ammunition and pinpointed the location of hostile positions. Realizing that his unit had sustained casualties, he commenced moving across the hazardously exposed area from one position to another. While skillfully administering first aid to two Marines, he resolutely shielded the men with his own body until he had completed treating them. Hearing a shout for assistance, he boldly maneuvered across 150 meters of fire-swept terrain to another wounded man and, realizing the seriousness of his injuries, immediately commenced administering and external heart massage. After aiding in carrying the casualty to a helicopter landing zone, he again exposed himself to the intense enemy fire while assisting his injured platoon commander. While shouting words of encouragement to other Marines, he simultaneously ensured that each casualty received continuous treatment until medically evacuated. His bold initiative and sincere concern for the welfare of his comrades were and inspiration to all who observed him and contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his courage, resolute determination and selfless devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Petty Officer RONCHETTO upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service."

FOR THE PRESIDENT,

H. W. BUSE, JR

LIEUTENANT GENERAL, U. S. MARINE CORPS

COMMANDING GENERAL, FLEET MARINE FORCE, PACIFIC

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