The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Gunnery Sergeant Peter Proietto, United States Marine Corps, for heroic achievement while engaged in military action against Al-Qaeda/Taliban fighters while serving as a Sniper with ODA 2021, 20th Special Forces Group, Combined Joint special Operations Task force, Operation Enduring Freedom, Paktia province Afghanistan on 12 March 2003. While conducting a vehicle mounted patrol along the Khowst road, ODA 2021 came under heavy enemy fire from a well emplaced L shaped ambush just outside the village of Bara Waze, and the lead element of the patrol was quickly pinned down. Gunnery Sergeant Proietto immediately began to return fire on the enemy positions with his 240B machinegun out in the middle of the road, totally exposed to enemy fire so he could best support the lead element and lay down the most effective suppressive fires on the enemy. As the firefight progressed, a heavy return fire mounted against his position to a point that everything around him was being shot up. Seeing the seriousness of the situation, the Team Sgt signaled to him to pull back and find cover. Knowing the lead element would be on their own and have no supporting fire if he fell back, he ignored his own safety and chose not to abandon his position. Gunnery Sergeant Proietto held his position for almost an hour through intense fire and silenced two enemy machinegun positions. When his 240B machinegun ran out of ammunition he grabbed his M4 carbine and took up a position forward of the M2 50 caliber machinegun and began to engage the enemy and spot enemy positions for the gunner. Once again he exposed himself to enemy fire so he could best observe and bring the most effective fire on the enemy. By his courageous actions, unwavering leadership, and exceptional dedication to duty, Gunnery Sergeant Proietto reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. (The Combat distinguishing Device is authorized.)