Ciro A. Viento

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Hospital Corpsman Third Class Ciro A. Viento for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Corpsman with Company A, First Reconnaissance Battalion, First Marine Division in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the evening of 20 September 1969, during a long-range reconnaissance patrol in Quang Nam Province, the Marines detected signs of hostile soldiers in the area and, although the men immediately established a concealed defensive position, several enemy soldiers emerging from a nearby bunker observed them and opened fire, inflicting two casualties on the friendly unit. Reacting instantly, Petty Officer Viento fearlessly ran across the fire-swept terrain to treat his wounded comrades. When the Marines subsequently deployed to a landing zone for extraction, they were pursued by a large enemy force and fragments from a hostile grenade injured Petty Officer Viento and one of the wounded Marines he had treated earlier but, ignoring his own painful injuries, he boldly remained dangerously exposed to the enemy fire to again administer to his companion. With an increase in the enemy small arms and rocket-propelled grenade fire, another member of the patrol was wounded and, with complete disregard for his own safety, Petty Officer Viento painfully made his way across the hazardous area and treated the casualty while shielding the man from further injury with his own body. As an evacuation aircraft prepared to land, Petty Officer Viento was wounded a second time by enemy fire which also detonated a smoke grenade he carried, burning hum severely in the chest. Although suffering intense pain from his multiple injuries, weak from the loss of blood, and in imminent danger from the hostile fire raking the area, he dauntlessly carried two Marines aboard the evacuation aircraft and, until arrival at a medical facility, resolutely remained alert and administered aid to the causalities. His heroic actions and humanitarian efforts at great personal sacrifice inspired all who observed him and saved the lives of his comrades. By his courage, selfless concern from his fellowmen and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, Petty Officer Viento upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.