The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lance Corporal Ismael Pineiro, United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Machine Gunner with Company C, First Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the evening of 24 September 1968, Lance Corporal Pineiro’s platoon had established a night defensive position west of DaNang, when a large North Vietnamese Army force launched an aggressive ground assault supported by mortar and anti-tank rocket fire against the Marines. In the initial moments of the attack, Lance Corporal Pineiro’s machine gun emplacement was struck by an enemy rocket and he was seriously wounded in the arm. Disregarding his painful injuries which rendered his arm immobile, he resolutely manned his machine gun and delivered a heavy volume of suppressive fire upon the hostile force. Ignoring the enemy rounds impacting near him, he fearlessly directed devastating fire into the advancing hostile soldiers, disrupting their onslaught and forcing them to flee in panic and confusion. Continuing his determined efforts, he steadfastly refused medical aid and remained at his position until his platoon perimeter was reconsolidated and his comrades were able to resist further enemy attacks. His heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him and contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and steadfast devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Lance Corporal Pineiro upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.