The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Ronald Benigo (MCSN: 0-89391), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company C, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, on 10 August 1966, in the Republic of Vietnam. While serving as Executive Officer of Company C, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Lieutenant Benigo was with the lead elements of the company when the company was fired upon by numerous heavily entrenched Viet Cong automatic weapons in a tree line. He distinguished himself by demonstrating uncommon leadership and professional skill to inspire the troops to move under fire, to set up the base of fire, and then immediately began to evacuate the wounded. Although he was himself wounded, he continued to repeatedly expose himself to intense automatic weapons fire in order to evacuate wounded Marines and keep the base of fire functioning. His aggressive and courageous actions were the determining factor in the success of the attack and the subsequent death of nineteen Viet Cong. By his daring actions and aggressive devotion to duty in the face of grave personal risk, First Lieutenant Benigo upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.