The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Anthony Restivo, Jr. (MCSN: 2030200), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving as an Anti-tank Assault Man with Company A, First Battalion, Ninth Marines. On 21 May 1966, Lance Corporal Restivo was assigned to a platoon of Company A when it was heli-lifted into a position to block the withdrawal of a company-size Viet Cong unit. As the helicopters landed in an open rice paddy, heavy mortar and automatic weapons fire was received from all sides and inflicted more than twenty casualties in the first few minutes. Acting immediately, Lance Corporal Restivo joined another Marine who was firing a rocket launcher. When his companion fell wounded, Lance Corporal Restivo continued to fire all available rockets at the enemy, then began collecting and firing light anti-tank assault weapons. Due to the danger of back blast, he was forced to leave his covered position and run into the open to fire. Thirteen times, under intense fire, he ran into exposed areas, knelt down and calmly fired the weapons into Viet Cong positions. On several occasions, he courageously dashed into the open to retrieve ammunition from the dead and wounded. Expending all LAAWs available and all of his .45 caliber pistol ammunition, he picked up an M-14 rifle and fired at the Viet Cong until all this ammunition was gone. His valiant actions were a determining factor in the platoon’s successful defense of its blocking position, in which an enemy company was trapped, fifty-three Viet Cong killed and seventeen weapons captured. By his daring initiative and loyal devotion to duty in the face of grave personal risk, Lance Corporal Restivo upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.