The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Gunnery Sergeant Frederick Puliafico (MCSN: 1352120), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company H, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. During the early morning hours of 22 August 1969, while Gunnery Sergeant Pulafico’s platoon was providing security for the command post during a search and destroy operation in Quang Nam Province, the Marines surrounding the command post and an ambush squad located well forward of the defensive perimeter came under a heavy volume of mortar and rocket fire followed by a vicious ground attack by a large North Vietnamese Army force. Rapidly assessing the situation, Gunnery Sergeant Puliafico fearlessly rushed to the point of heaviest contact and deployed his men to counter the fierce assault With complete disregard for his own safety, he repeatedly exposed himself to the enemy fire as he raced from one Marine position to another to ascertain the welfare of his men, direct their suppressive fire, and ensure that every possible avenue of hostile approach was adequately covered by firepower. Although severely wounded while thus engaged, Gunnery Sergeant Puliafico steadfastly refused medical attention and resolutely continued his vigorous defensive activities until the North Vietnamese Army unit was repulsed. Despite his extreme pain, he then led a reaction force across the fire-swept terrain to the site of the beleaguered ambush squad and, after a fierce engagement with retreating enemy soldiers who were determined to overrun the outpost, safely led all his men back to the platoon lines where he maintained a constant vigil against further hostile onslaughts. Investigation of the surrounding area at first light resulted in the apprehension of two wounded North Vietnamese Army soldiers and the seizure of numerous enemy weapons. His heroic and determined actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in the defeat of the hostile soldiers. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, Gunnery Sergeant Puliafico upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.