The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Corporal Joseph Francis Labriola, United States Marine Corps, for heroic service in connection with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces while serving with Company D, First Battalion, First Marines. On 2 April 1966, during Operation ORANGE in the vicinity of DaNang, Corporal Labriola’s squad was acting as point element of a sweep which was penetrating deep into Viet Cong controlled territory when it was suddenly subjected to automatic weapons fire which immediately wounded the Squad Leader and two other members of the squad. Realizing the urgency of the situation, Corporal Labriola, a Fire Team Leader, rallied the remainder of the squad, and established a base of fire which gained and maintained fire superiority over an estimated fifteen Viet Cong. His inspiring leadership was instrumental in causing the enemy to retreat and enabled the wounded to be evacuated. On the night of 2 June 1966, while serving as a Squad Leader with Company D, Corporal Labriola and another Marine were attacked by a small group of Viet Cong attempting to penetrate their platoon’s defensive position. Despite a painful leg wound sustained during the fire fight, Corporal Labriola continued to fire on the attacking enemy, causing them to break contact. Corporal Labriola’s courageous actions and selfless devotion to duty throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. [Corporal Labriola is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.]