The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Sergeant Larry L. Massoletti (ASN: US-54442230), United States Army, for heroism in connection with military operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Sergeant Massoletti distinguished himself while serving as a Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol Team Leader with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2d Brigade, 4th Infantry Division. On 31 March 1969, Sergeant Massoletti’s team encountered an enemy artillery element west of Polei Klong. Remaining undetected for five to six hours, the team hoped that a platoon of North Vietnamese soldiers would not spot them as they waited to ambush a larger main force. When the ambush was initiated, Claymore mines were detonated, killing three of the enemy. Without regard for his personal safety, Sergeant Massoletti crawled out to the three enemy soldiers and recovered their packs. Covering the area with heavy suppressive fire, he allowed his team to withdraw while he called in artillery and gunship support. Subsequently checking of the enemy packs yielded information vital to the Allied Forces.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Bronze Star Medal
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
SergeantRegiment:
2d BrigadeDivision:
4th Infantry DivisionAction Date:
March 13, 1969
Headquarters, 4th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 1924 (May 22, 1969)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Sergeant Larry L. Massoletti (ASN: US-54442230), United States Army, for heroism in connection with military operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Sergeant Massoletti distinguished himself while serving as a Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol Team Leader with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2d Brigade, 4th Infantry Division. On 13 March 1969, Sergeant Massoletti and his team were checking an area for a rocket and mortar site when they observed an enemy force about to engage a friendly column of armored personnel carriers and a mine sweep team. Reacting immediately, Sergeant Massoletti called for and adjusted artillery support along the enemy’s position. Through his quick action the column was able to attain fire superiority and rout the enemy force. As they enemy forces retreated, they spotted Sergeant Massoletti’s team, and engaged them with automatic weapons. Again using his initiative, Sergeant Massoletti called in artillery support. Blocking the enemy’s avenue of escape. Sergeant Massoletti’s exceptional courage, initiative, and exemplary devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.