The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Staff Sergeant Manuel Trevino Chavarria (MCSN: 1638209), United States Marine Corps, for heroic achievement in connection with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving as a Platoon Sergeant with Company B, First Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, on 28 February 1967. During Operation DECKHOUSE VI, Staff Sergeant Chavarria’s platoon was moving from a densely jungled area and sugar cane field into an open area when it came under intense automatic weapons, small arms fire and hand grenades from a reinforced enemy bunker at close range. The extremely heavy volume of enemy fire temporarily pinned down the lead elements of the platoon. With complete disregard for his own safety, Staff Sergeant Chavarria immediately crawled to an exposed position where he could observe the enemy bunker, firing his weapon at the bunker opening as he advanced. By his instant reaction, he gained fire superiority over the enemy so that he could maneuver to a position from which to throw a hand grenade. With pinpoint accuracy, he threw the grenade into the bunker, killing its occupants and then pursued the remaining enemy rifleman into the cane field, enabling his platoon to continue its advance and complete its assigned search and clear mission. His selfless and heroic actions undoubtedly saved the lives of numerous Marines and inspired all who observed him. Staff Sergeant Chavarria’s dauntless courage, outstanding skill and loyal devotion to duty at great personal risk were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. (Staff Sergeant Chavarria is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Staff SergeantBatallion:
1st BattalionRegiment:
4th MarinesDivision:
3d Marine Division (Rein.), FMFAction Date:
March 22, 1967
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Manuel Trevino Chavarria (MCSN: 1638209), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Sergeant with Company B, First Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 22 March 1967, during Operation BEACON HILL I, a squad-size patrol became heavily engaged with a numerically superior enemy force near the hamlet of Long Son. Realizing that the squad needed assistance, Staff Sergeant Chavarria quickly organized reinforcements and proceeded to the squad’s position. Finding the beleaguered squad temporarily pinned down by heavy enemy fire and grenades, he observed several wounded men lying in a position exposed to enemy fire. Disregarding his own safety, Staff Sergeant Chavarria courageously moved across the fire-swept terrain and moved the wounded to a covered area. While reorganizing his men, he observed a well concealed enemy position which was delivering heavy fire upon the Marines. Displaying uncommon aggressiveness, he immediately set up a base of fire, assaulted the position and destroyed the enemy weapons. In addition, when a Viet Cong soldier began firing from another concealed position, Staff Sergeant Chavarria boldly seized a captured machine gun and killed the Viet Cong in his entrenched spider hole. His fearless determination and heroic actions under heavy enemy fire inspired his fellow Marines and contributed significantly to the successful evacuation of the squad. By his inspiring leadership, courageous actions and selfless devotion to duty, Staff Sergeant Chavarria upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.