The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Albert Pasquale Gettings, United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy on 5 January 2006 while serving as a Team Leader with Company F, Second Battalion, Sixth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. While conducting counter sniper operations in Al Fallujah, Iraq, Corporal Gettings and his squad came under automatic weapons fire, the initial volley of fire wounding him and another Marine. Suffering from a gunshot wound to his abdomen and still under direct enemy observation, Corporal Gettings immediately stood up and returned fire while the other wounded Marine moved to a covered position. With total disregard for his own safety, Corporal Gettings remained fully exposed to the enemy as he directed employment of his Marines and provided suppressive fires to cover their movement. Refusing to be evacuated despite his severe wounds, he maintained a calm demeanor as he continued to direct the fires of his Marines as they maneuvered against the enemy. Only after the squad was in position and engaging the enemy did he move to a covered position, where he collapsed from his wounds. By his bold initiative, undaunted courage, and complete dedication to duty, Corporal Gettings reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service and the United States Marine Corps.