Arnold L. Alderette

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Arnold L. Alderette (2233772), Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and Intrepidity In action while serving as a Machine Gun Team Leader with Company A, First Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division in connection with operations against the enemy In the Republic of Vietnam. During the early morning hours of 8 February 1968, Lance Corporal Alderette’s platoon was occupying an observation post northeast of the Khe Sanh Combat Base. Suddenly, the Marines came under Intense small arms and mortar fire supporting an aggressive ground assault by two North Vietnamese Army companies. When the enemy soldiers penetrated the defensive perimeter, Lance Corporal Alderette fearlessly ran across the fire-swept terrain to a besieged machine gun position and, discovering that the entire machine gun team were casualties, unhesitatingly commenced employing the weapon. Delivering a heavy volume of suppressive fire at the enemy positions, he quickly maneuvered across the hazardous area to a more advantageous position. While providing accurate fire with his weapon, he skillfully directed the fire of another machine gun team, enabling the Marines to reestablish a perimeter defense. Disregarding his own safety, he repeatedly exposed himself to the hostile fire in order to throw hand grenades at the hostile emplacements and, after the Marines’ hand grenade supply was depleted, he directed the men to throw rocks at the enemy. His heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in enabling his unit to repulse the determined enemy attack. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Lance Corporal Alderette upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.