Anthony A. Giretti

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Anthony A. Giretti (0-106806), Second Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company G, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 19 March 1969, during Operation Purple Martin near fire support base Neville in Quang Tri Province, Second Lieutenant Giretti’s patrol was preparing to provide security for the eastern flank of the company when his Marines came under a heavy volume of small arms fire and hand grenade attack. Observing that a hostile machine gun emplacement was preventing the advance of his men, Second Lieutenant Giretti completely disregarded his own safety as he rushed across the fire-swept terrain and, armed only with a grenade and a pistol, aggressively assaulted and destroyed the enemy position. As he fearlessly moved toward a second objective, he was seriously wounded and knocked to the ground by small arms fire. Steadfastly determined to continue his attack, he was resolutely attempting to rise when he was mortally wounded by the detonation of a hostile explosive device. His heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in his company’s subsequent defeat of the enemy. By his courage, bold initiative and unwavering devotion to duty, Second Lieutenant Giretti contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.