The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Ernest D. Perinotto (MCSN: 2438154), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Rifleman with Company B, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the afternoon of 17 November 1968, while acting as the Point Man on a patrol through the rain swollen rice paddies near the village of Bo Ban in Quang Nam Province, Private First Class Perinotto alertly detected and engaged a well-concealed North Vietnamese Army force. An aggressive attack rendered the enemy’s position untenable and forced them to flee toward a stream to their rear. Rapidly assessing the situation, Private First Class Perinotto fearlessly exposed himself to North Vietnamese fire as he ran across the inundated rice paddies in pursuit of the enemy and killed two of the hostile soldiers. Upon reaching the bank of the stream, he boldly entered the water when an enemy soldier, concealed along the stream bank, opened fire. Whirling around, Private First Class Perinotto began delivering return fire, and in the ensuing fire fight, he was seriously wounded. Determined to destroy the enemy he refused to seek cove and resolutely continued fighting. Observing the North Vietnamese soldier throwing a hand grenade, Private First Class Perinotto shot and killed him before he was mortally wounded by the exploding hostile grenade. His resolute determination and heroic actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in saving the lives of many of his fellow Marines. By his courage, bold initiative and unswerving devotion to duty, Private First Class Perinotto upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.