The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lance Corporal Robert J. Paladino (MCSN: 2284579), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Machine Gunner with Company L, Third Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 26 February 1969, Lance Corporal Paladino’s platoon was moving to assist another platoon of Company L, which was heavily engaged with a hostile force near Landing Zone PETE in Quang Tri Province when his unit came under enemy fire and sustained several casualties. With complete disregard for his own safety, Lance Corporal Paladino unhesitatingly maneuvered forward to an exposed position and established a base of fire with his machine gun, thereby enabling a Corpsman to treat the wounded. Observing two Marines lying in the open, he fearlessly moved in front of the casualties and provided covering fire as his comrades moved the injured men to protected locations. His heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him and contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Lance Corporal Paladino upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.