The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Gunnery Sergeant Pedro P. Balignasay (MCSN: 1348870), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Company Gunnery Sergeant of Company E, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. In the early morning hours of 25 February 1969, during Operation SCOTLAND II, Fire Support Base Russell in Quang Tri Province as subjected to a vicious ground attack by North Vietnamese Army sappers supported by mortars and rocket-propelled grenades. During the initial moments of fire, communications facilities at the Company Command Post were destroyed, numerous Marines were injured, and Gunnery Sergeant Balignasay was momentarily stunned when thrown to the ground. Recovering quickly, he was immediately wounded by the detonation of a mortar round nearby. Ignoring his painful injuries, he raced through the fire-swept area to the point of heaviest contact and, organizing uninjured Marines, deployed them into effective fighting positions. Shouting words of encouragement to the men, he directed their effective suppressive fire against the advancing hostile soldiers and was instrumental in the Marines’ killing numerous enemy and successfully defending their position. As he was moving across the hazardous terrain to ensure that all casualties were being treated, he was again seriously wounded, but resolutely assisted other injured men to covered places to await medical evacuation. After ensuring the security of the defensive perimeter and that all his comrades had received care, he then resolutely proceeded to the Command Post to relate the current situation before allowing himself to be medically evacuated. His heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in minimizing Marine casualties. By his courage, aggressive initiative and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, Gunnery Sergeant Balignasay upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.