Pete Orozco

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Pete Orozco (1056541), Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with a Marine Infantry Company of the FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in Korea, on 2 December 1950. South of Yudam-ni, the rifle platoon to which Private First Class Orozco was assigned was pinned down by heavy enemy small arms fire while attempting to seize a well dug-in enemy position. Private First Class Orozco voluntarily moved alone to the flank of the enemy position and, in the face of the heavy enemy fire, fearlessly assaulted the position with hand grenades, killing eight of the enemy and driving back the remainder. His initiative and complete disregard for his own personal safety allowed the platoon to complete the seizure of their objective without further casualties. Private First Class Orozco’s heroic actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.