The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Peter Louis Jette (MCSN: 2163516), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a 60-mm. Mortar Section Leader with Company D, First Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam on 8 May 1967. During Operation PRAIRIE IV in Quang Tri Province, Corporal Jette’s company was positioned along the eastern portion of the Con Thien Combat Base defensive perimeter when it came under attack by a numerically superior North Vietnamese Army force. Following an intense mortar attack, the enemy launched an assault using automatic weapons, rockets, satchel charges and flamethrowers, penetrating the defensive perimeter and overrunning several friendly positions. Demonstrating exceptional presence of mind and courage, Corporal Jette immediately employed his section against the attacking enemy. In the ensuing fire fight, he observed that the North Vietnamese force had penetrated several of his unit’s defensive positions. Realizing the need for gaining fire superiority over the hostile force, Corporal Jette, despite a painful wound, fearlessly ran to a disabled tank which was in front of his position and retrieved a .30 caliber machine gun. Quickly returning through the heavy enemy fire to his position, he skillfully emplaced the weapon and began delivering accurate fire on the attackers. Subsequently, he observed two enemy soldiers, armed with satchel charges and rockets approaching his position approximately ten meters away. Exhibiting outstanding presence of mind, he brought a heavy volume of machine gun fire to bear on the soldiers, killing both men. In large measure due to Corporal Jette’s heroic actions, the North Vietnamese force was repulsed and the lives of numerous Marines were saved. By his bold initiative, resourcefulness and selfless devotion to duty, Corporal Jette upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.