The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lance Corporal Louis Gene Petrone, Jr. (MCSN: 2355206), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Rifleman 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 the afternoon of 7 January 1968, Company L was assigned to assist a Marine unit that was pinned down by intense small arms and automatic weapons fire from a large North Vietnamese Army force and had sustained several casualties. Arriving at the beleaguered platoon’s position, Lance Corporal Petrone unhesitatingly exposed himself to the hostile fire and carried a wounded Marine to a covered position. Returning to the hazardous area, he observed another casualty and moved to the side of the wounded man. Ignoring the hostile fire impacting around him, he picked up the casualty and, while moving toward a covered position, was mortally wounded. By his courage, bold initiative and steadfast devotion to duty, Lance Corporal Petrone upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.