The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Peter Frederick DeWilde (MCSN: 2484172), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Reconnaissance Man with Company C, Third Reconnaissance Battalion, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. Early on the morning of 5 March 1969, Private First Class DeWilde’s reconnaissance team was occupying a defensive position at Fire Support Base ARGONNE south of the Demilitarized Zone. Suddenly, the Marines were assaulted by a North Vietnamese Army platoon employing mortars, hand grenades, and automatic weapons. Ignoring the enemy rounds impacting near him, Private First Class DeWilde, who was positioned in a listening post, fearlessly maneuvered across the fire-swept terrain toward the friendly perimeter to assist his comrades in repulsing the hostile attack. Encountering a North Vietnamese, he aggressively attacked the enemy soldier and, employing his weapon as a club, quickly killed the man. Upon reaching friendly lines, he commenced delivering accurate fire upon the hostile force and resolutely continued his determined efforts until he was mortally wounded by the intense hostile fire. His bold initiative and resolute determination inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in his unit’s accounting for twenty hostile soldiers killed. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and steadfast devotion to duty, Private First Class DeWilde upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.