The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Alfred L. Botello (MCSN: 1961587), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Squad Leader with Company E, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 19 December 1966, while participating in a search and clear operation near Phu Tay (1), Sergeant Botello’s squad was assigned the mission of providing security as the company made an extremely hazardous river crossing. As the squad came within fifty meters of its objective, they were taken under concentrated automatic weapons fire from an entrenched Viet Cong squad which pinned down an entire platoon in open terrain and inflicted several casualties. Without hesitation, and continually exposing himself to the intense enemy fire, Sergeant Botello moved among his men, directing their fire. Exhibiting extreme bravery and professionalism, he rallied his squad and courageously led them across fifty meters of fire-swept terrain. As they assaulted the trench line, they were slowed by the intensity of the enemy automatic weapons fire. At this point, Sergeant Botello fearlessly dashed forward into the fire, killed the Viet Cong manning the machine gun and breached the enemy position, allowing his squad to overrun the trench. After quickly and efficiently consolidating his position to withstand a counterattack, Sergeant Botello began to administer first aid to the wounded members of his squad. As a result of his heroic actions, he was instrumental in enabling his company to reach its objective with a minimum number of casualties, while his squad accounted for five enemy killed. His initiative and courage in the face of grave personal risk were inspirational to all who observed him. By his daring leadership, fearless actions, and selfless devotion to duty, Sergeant Botello contributed significantly to the successful accomplishment of his units mission and thereby upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.