The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Brigadier General Pedro Augusto DelValle, United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding General, III Amphibious Corps Artillery, during the organization of that unit; and from 21 July 1944 to 10 August 1944, during the assault and occupation of the Island of Guam. Brigadier General DelValle displayed exceptional ability not only in assembling, organizing, and training his command in a short period of time prior to embarkation, but also during the action on Guam, where he further exhibited high professional ability. His courage, determination, and outstanding leadership throughout contributed materially to the success of the entire operation and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Navy and Marine Corps Medal
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Legion of Merit
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
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Navy and Marine Corps Medal
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major General Pedro Augusto DelValle, United States Marine Corps, was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy in Rome, Italy, in 1939.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Brigadier GeneralAction Date:
August 7 – December 9, 1942
Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 0645 (March 23, 1943)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Brigadier General Pedro Augusto DelValle, United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Division Artillery Officer and Commanding Officer of the Eleventh Marines during the entire period from the seizure of the enemy airfield at Guadalcanal on 7 August 1942 to the relief of the FIRST Division on 9 December 1942. General DelValle supervised and directed employment of all field artillery. The high degree of technical skill and high combat morale which were characteristic of the units under General DelValle’s command throughout the operations reflect the high professional attainments and devotion to duty which were displayed by that officer. The exceptional effectiveness of fires delivered by units under his control on many occasions contributed materially to the success of the U.S. Forces in defending Guadalcanal against repeated attempts of the enemy to regain its possession.
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Major GeneralDivision:
1st Marine DivisionAction Date:
April 1 – June 21, 1945
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Major General Pedro Augusto DelValle, United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious service to the Government of the United States in a duty of great responsibility as Commanding General of the FIRST Marine Division during the attack and occupation of Okinawa Shima in the Ryukyu Chain, from 1 April 1945 to 21 June 1945. A brilliant tactician, Major General Del Valle effected the strategic landing of his units on the western shores of Okinawa on 1 April and immediately initiated a vigorous offensive, slashing through Japanese resistance and cutting across the island to seize, in 72 hours of swift, aggressive action, a segment of enemy held territory extending from the west to the east coast. Turning southward, he advanced his forces toward the formidable system of natural and man-made defenses comprising the ramparts of the hostile stronghold at Shuri to find that heavy mud precluded the use of many supporting weapons and made supply almost impossible except by air. Analyzing the situation with keen military acumen, he organized his attack plans with unerring judgment and laid constant, bitter siege to the enemy until the defending garrison was reduced and the elaborate bastion destroyed. An indomitable leader, he continued to wage a relentless battle, attacking and violently overthrowing a series of heavily fortified, mutually supporting ridge positions to the extreme southern most tip of the island. Undaunted by the deadly accuracy of enemy gunfire, he repeatedly visited the fighting fronts, maintaining close tactical control of operations and rallying his weary but stout-hearted Marines to heroic effort during critical phases of the long and arduous campaign. By his superb general-ship, outstanding valor and tenacious perseverance in the face of overwhelming opposition, Major General Del Valle contributed essentially to the conquest of this fiercely defended outpost of the Japanese Empire and his decisive conduct throughout the savage hostilities reflects the highest credit upon himself, his gallant command and the United States Naval Service.