The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Arthur Garcia Villalobos (MCSN: 2413041), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Machine Gunner with Company E, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 15 May 1969, while Private First Class Villalobos’ platoon was moving to assist another unit which was heavily engaged with an estimated North Vietnamese Army battalion, the Marines came under a heavy volume of automatic rifle and antitank rocket fire from a hostile force occupying a fortified bunker complex well-concealed in a tree line. During the initial moments of the fierce engagement, numerous Marines were seriously wounded and the platoon became pinned down. Realizing the need for immediate action, Private First Class Villalobos, although wounded himself, fearlessly crawled across twenty meters of unprotected, fire-swept terrain toward the enemy complex and when he was in proximity to the bunkers, threw hand grenades with devastating accuracy through their apertures, thereby enabling other Marines to treat and evacuate the casualties and engage other elements of the enemy force. Resolutely remaining in his dangerously exposed position after depleting his supply of grenades, he then continued to deliver rapid suppressive fire upon the hostile soldiers until he was mortally wounded. His heroic and determined actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in saving the lives of numerous Marines. By his courage, selfless concern for his fellowmen and unwavering devotion to duty, Private First Class Villalobos contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.