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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Richard D. Porrello (MCSN: 0-105432), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company C, First Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 1 March 1969, Company C was assaulting a North Vietnamese Army regiment occupying positions on Hill 484 near Khe Sanh when the Second Platoon was pinned down by intense enemy mortar, small arms, and machine gun fire. Rapidly assessing the situation, Second Lieutenant Porrello quickly deployed his men to assist the beleaguered unit, and ignoring the enemy rounds impacting near him; he skillfully directed his Marines around the enemy’s flank and approached the hostile positions from the rear. Detecting his movements, the North Vietnamese delivered accurate mortar fire, and Second Lieutenant Porrello was severely wounded in the neck and chest. Resolutely ignoring his painful injuries, he aggressively led his men in a determined assault against the enemy positions, boldly shouting words of encouragement to his men and directing their fire until the hostile fire was silenced. Although requiring an emergency medical evacuation, he steadfastly refused to board the extraction helicopters until all other wounded Marines had been helilifted from the hazardous area. His bold initiative and resolute determination inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in his company’s accounting for twenty North Vietnamese soldiers killed. By his courage, aggressive leadership and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Second Lieutenant Porrello upheld the finest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    4th Marines

    Division:

    3d Marine Division (Rein.), FMF

    Action Date:

    February 28, 1969

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Richard D. Porrello (MCSN: 0-105432), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company C, First Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 28 February 1969, Lieutenant Porrello’s platoon was assigned the mission of securing a enemy held hill near Khe Sanh. During the assault, the Marines came under intense automatic weapon and machine gun fire from several well-fortified hostile bunkers. When his platoon was pinned down and unable to advance, Second Lieutenant Porrello fearlessly exposed himself to enemy fire to rally his men and direct their orderly withdrawal in order that he could direct fixed wing air strikes against the hostile positions. As the platoon pulled back and he discovered that two wounded Marines were missing, Second Lieutenant Porrello unhesitatingly rushed back up the hill and located the two casualties lying fifteen meters away from an enemy machine gun position. With complete disregard for his own safety, he ignored the intense hostile machine gun fire as he quickly dragged the two Marines out of the hazardous zone. After supporting gunships had strafed the area, he again led his men up the hill in an aggressive assault, and despite heavy resistance from the hostile soldiers, the Marines were able to reach the top of the objective. Continuing his determined efforts, Second Lieutenant Porrello destroyed an enemy emplacement and directed his men as they eliminated and neutralized the remaining hostile positions. His heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him and were responsible for saving the lives of two injured Marines. By his courage, aggressive leadership and selfless devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Second Lieutenant Porrello was instrumental in enabling his platoon to complete its mission and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.