The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Hospitalman Third Class Alonso P. Cole, Jr. (NSN: B-889148), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a hostile force while serving as a Corpsman with Company H, Second Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 17 February 1969, during Operation DEWEY CANYON, Company E was conducting a patrol near Hill 891 in Quang Tri Province when the point squad came under intense North Vietnamese Army automatic weapons fire and sustained several casualties. Unhesitatingly leaving his relatively secure rear position, Petty Officer Cole fearlessly moved about the fire-swept terrain, treating the wounded men and speaking words of encouragement to them. Later that same day, a fire team which was conducting a reconnaissance forward of the main body of the company was pinned down by a heavy volume of fire from well-concealed hostile soldiers and sustained a serious casualty. Observing that the injured Marine was in a position dangerously exposed to the enemy fire, Petty Officer Cole started forward to aid the helpless man. Cautioned to wait until the intensity of the hostile fire lessened, but thinking only of the welfare of his companion, he resolutely braved the enemy rounds impacting near him as he boldly moved across the unprotected area to the side of the casualty. As he started to move his comrade to the marginal protection of a tree stump, he was painfully wounded in the back. Ignoring his injury, Petty Officer Cole resolutely continued his determined efforts and, as he was treating the casualty, was again wounded in the back. Disregarding his intense pain, he steadfastly remained with his patient and comforted him until both of them were evacuated. By his courage, selfless concern for his fellowmen and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, Petty Officer Cole inspired all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.