The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Ignatius Carlisi (MCSN: 2170881), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with the First Platoon, Company C, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in Quang Tin Province, Republic of Vietnam, on 16 June 1966. Private Carlisi was with seventeen other members of his platoon occupying an observation post on Hill 488 deep in enemy controlled territory. During the early morning hours a North Vietnamese force of battalion size, employing accurate mortar, automatic weapons, and small arms fire, unleashed a furious attack on their position. During the initial assault, Private Carlisi was painfully wounded in his legs by small arms fire, but, disregarding his wounds, he courageously remained in his position and continued firing upon the advancing enemy with deadly accuracy and thus assisted in repulsing the attack. When the unrelenting enemy force began another assault against the stalwart defenders of Hill 488, Private Carlisi was seriously injured by the blast of an exploding enemy hand grenade. After receiving emergency treatment he fearlessly returned to assume his position next to his gallant companions. With courage and skill he continued to inflict casualties on the enemy until he fell mortally wounded by automatic weapons fire. Private Carlisi’s courageous display of fighting spirit against seemingly insurmountable odds were instrumental in the defense of his platoon’s position and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the cause of freedom.