The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Mariano Ribillia, Jr. (MCSN: 2388352), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Rifleman with Company K, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Marine Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 21 January 1969, Company K was directed to assist a reconnaissance team which had become heavily engaged with a large hostile force, and as the unit arrived at the designated location, the Third Platoon became pinned down by a heavy volume of enemy small arms and machine gun fire. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, Private First Class Ribillia alertly pinpointed the source of automatic weapons fire and, completely disregarding his own safety, crawled across the fire-swept area to the enemy bunker. Fearlessly exposing himself to the hostile fire, he threw two hand grenades into the fortification, destroying the machine gun emplacement and enabling his companions to continue their advance. While attempting to rejoin his platoon, he was mortally wounded by hostile sniper fire. His heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him and saved his comrades from serious injury or possible death. By his courage, bold initiative and unfaltering devotion to duty, Private First Ribillia contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission and upheld the finest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.