The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Bruce C. Parmelee (MCSN: 2249008), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Rifleman with Company I, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in the Republic of Vietnam. On 21 April 1967, two companies of the Third Battalion, First Marines, were helilifted into the Que Son Valley in the vicinity of Nut Loc Son to reinforce an infantry company that was heavily engaged by a numerically superior enemy force estimated to be of battalion size. The enemy was well-entrenched and delivered highly effective small-arms and mortar fire against the reinforcing companies. In the ensuing battle, Private First Class Parmelee was wounded in the head by shrapnel from an enemy mortar round. A sporadic fire fight had been going on for about thirty minutes with heavy firing, during which several Marines were killed or wounded, more than the Corpsmen were able to cope with at that time. After a Corpsman had treated his wounds, another Marine near Private First Class Parmelee was hit. Completely disregarding his own wounds, he rushed to his fellow Marine’s aid, exposing himself to further enemy fire. Extreme difficulty was encountered in getting medical evacuation helicopters to the area, as they were subject to heavy sniper fire. After a long delay one helicopter was able to get on the ground and a Corpsman ordered Private First Class Parmelee to get on the helicopter. Private First Class Parmelee, realizing there were more wounded than could get on the helicopter, and not knowing when the next helicopter would arrived, refused to be evacuated. He unselfishly told the Corpsman to put another man on the helicopter. When they were approximately halfway to the helicopter, Private First Class Parmelee was mortally wounded by an enemy sniper round. His uncommon valor, disregard of his own wounds, and supreme sacrifice for his fellow Marines reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.