The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lance Corporal Joe Martin Renteria (MCSN: 2270433), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as an Anti-tank Assault Squad Leader with Company M, Third Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 25 May 1967, Company M had engaged a numerically superior North Vietnamese Army force which was firing from well entrenched, fortified bunkers. When the company was ordered to pull back from their positions, Lance Corporal Renteria obtained a 3.5″ rocket launcher from a member of his squad and courageously remained in position to provide covering fire for his unit’s withdrawal. Completely disregarding his own safety, he calmly opened fire on an enemy emplacement, destroying it and killing the occupants. Observing a wounded Marine lying in an area exposed to the enemy fire, Lance Corporal Renteria unhesitatingly moved across the fire-swept terrain and carried the casualty to a place of relative safety. He steadfastly continued to deliver suppressive fire against the enemy positions until the casualties were moved to covered areas and then assisted in their evacuation. His aggressiveness and concern for the welfare of his wounded comrades were an inspiration to all who observed him and contributed immeasurably to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his steadfast courage, superior professionalism and selfless devotion to duty in the face of extreme personal danger, Lance Corporal Renteria upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.