The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Arthur K. Bibeau (MCSN: 2378231), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Heavy Equipment Operator with Company C, 11th Engineer Battalion, THIRD Marine Division, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 24 March 1969, while preparing a defensive position near the Quang Tri Combat Base, Corporal Bibeau alertly observed a hostile squad armed with rocket-propelled grenades maneuvering toward the Marine emplacement. Realizing the need for immediate action, he warned nearby companions of the impending danger and then fearlessly drove his unarmed vehicle toward the advancing enemy, thereby drawing the attention of the hostile soldiers and enabling his comrades to deploy into effective fighting positions. Although completely exposed to the enemy fire from his unprotected location on top of his bulldozer, Corporal Bibeau boldly continued operating his tracked vehicle, while simultaneously delivering accurate suppressive rifle fire, until the hostile threat was eliminated. Subsequently, while he was leading a column of armored personnel carriers in an aggressive assault on an enemy position, his tractor became the target for hostile rocket-propelled grenade fire. While skillfully executing evasive maneuvers to prevent damage to his vehicle, Corporal Bibeau was seriously wounded. His heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in the defeat of a numerically superior hostile force. By his courage, bold initiative and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, Corporal Bibeau contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission and upheld the finest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.