The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Paul F. Olenski (MCSN: 2181660), United States Marine Corps, for gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company C, First Reconnaissance Battalion, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 26 July 1968, Private First Class Olenski’s team was inserted on a reconnaissance patrol in enemy territory in Thua Thien Province and almost immediately became heavily engaged with a large enemy force. During the ensuing fire fight, Private First Class Olenski alertly observed a hand grenade thrown by the enemy land dangerously close to several of his comrades. Reacting instantly and with complete disregard for his own safety, he seized the lethal object and quickly hurled it toward the hostile force, simultaneously sustaining a serious gunshot wound in his hand. Ignoring his painful injury, he aggressively continued providing a heavy volume of suppressive fire until the patrol was subsequently extracted from the hazardous area. By his courage, bold initiative and selfless devotion to duty at great personal risk, Private First Class Olenski inspired all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.