The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Louis C. Faretra (MCSN: 1355378), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Fire Team Leader of Company I, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 24 July 1953. When his company was subjected to devastating enemy mortar and artillery fire while moving forward to the main line of resistance, Private First Class Faretra fearlessly exposed himself to the murderous hostile fire in order to reconnoiter the terrain and locate a route by which the unit could bypass the endangered area. After finding a safer route, he proceeded toward the main body of the company and, although pinned down by a cross fire of intense enemy machine gun fire, succeeded in moving from under the devastating fire. After contacting the company, he successfully led the unit around the impact area to the main line of resistance. Upon reaching the main lines, he contacted friendly elements for instruction and then guided his company into position. Learning that sections of the company had been separated and had not reached the main lines, he voluntarily carried out three trips through an area heavily interdicted by murderous hostile fire and successfully led the remaining units of the company to friendly lines. Moving into position on the flank of the company in the face of deadly enemy fire, he observed a wounded comrade lying in an extremely exposed area and rushed forward to administer first aid treatment to the casualty before removing him to a safe position. By his aggressiveness, courageous initiative and selfless devotion to duty, Private First Class Faretra served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.