Francis D. Pacello

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Francis D. Pacello (0-82483), Captain, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as the Commanding Officer of Company M, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Marine Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 17 August 1968, during Operation Mameluke Thrust, Company M was moving across an open area near the village of Phu Lac (1) in Quang Nam Province when the Marines suddenly came under intense mortar, rocket propelled grenade and automatic weapons fire from a large North Vietnamese Army force. In the initial moments of the engagement, the lead element of Company M sustained two casualties who fell wounded only five meters from a hostile position. Rapidly assessing the situation, Captain PACELLO fearlessly rushed forward across 50 meters of fire-swept terrain to a vantage point from which he directed the movement and covering fire of supporting tanks. Then, with complete disregard for his own safety, he boldly maneuvered toward the injured Marines, and upon reaching their position, he was wounded in one arm by automatic weapons fire from a North Vietnamese soldier approximately five meters away. Ignoring his painful injuries, Captain PACELLO quickly killed the enemy soldier with a hand grenade and then moved the two casualties to a position of relative safety. Disregarding the accurate antitank rocket and mortar fire being directed at the tanks, he unhesitatingly climbed aboard one of the vehicles and commenced adjusting air strikes against the hostile emplacements, simultaneously coordinating an aggressive assault that forced the enemy to flee in panic and confusion. Continuing his determined efforts, he directed the establishment of a defensive perimeter and, despite the seriousness of his wounds, steadfastly refused medical evacuation until the following morning. By his courage, bold initiative and selfless devotion to duty at great personal risk, Captain PACELLO inspired all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.