The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Victor F. Petruzzelli (MCSN: 0-15577), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a platoon leader of Company B, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palau Islands on 17 September 1944. Attacking the high ground of Hill 100 in order to contact the battalion on his flank, First Lieutenant Petruzzelli led the charge up the steep coral slopes and in the face of severe machine gun, mortar and rifle fire from entrenched and strongly defended enemy positions which was causing heavy casualties in his ranks, courageously continued the determined assault. Although wounded and with only four surviving member of his platoon he dislodged the enemy and by skillfully directing his fire, succeeded in holding the position on Hill 100 until reinforced by another platoon. His courage and aggressive leadership reflect the highest credit upon First Lieutenant Petruzzelli and the United States Naval Service.