The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Raymond C. Benfatti (MCSN: 0-96148), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Commanding Officer of Company L, Third Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. Early on the morning of 17 February 1969, Company L was providing security for Fire Support Base CUNNINGHAM in Quang Tri Province when the position was assaulted by two North Vietnamese Army companies. During the initial moments of the attack, the Marine perimeter was penetrated by an enemy sapper platoon and First Lieutenant Benfatti was severely wounded by an impacting hostile rocket-propelled grenade. Ignoring his extremely painful injuries, he steadfastly refused medical evacuation and, boldly shouting words of encouragement to his men, directed their fire against the North Vietnamese soldiers until the hostile sapper unit was ejected from the position. Ignoring the enemy rounds impacting near him, he quickly organized a reaction force and supervised his Marines in evacuating the casualties and in replacing wounded Marines in defensive emplacements. As the large enemy unit continued to advance upon the perimeter, he fearlessly continued his determined efforts, repeatedly exposing himself to intense hostile fire as he directed the efforts of his men in repulsing the enemy attack. When the North Vietnamese unit had withdrawn, he supervised the medical evacuation of casualties and ascertained the welfare of his Marines, resolutely refusing medical assistance until all other injured men had been cared for. His bold initiative and resolute determination inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in his company’s accounting for thirty-seven North Vietnamese soldiers killed. By his courage, aggressive leadership and steadfast devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, First Lieutenant Benfatti upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.