SILVER STAR MEDAL to CORPORAL ANTONIO G. RIVERA UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS For service as set forth in the following CITATION: FOR THE
PRESIDENT H. W. BUSE,
JR. LIEUTENANT
GENERAL, U. S. MARINE CORPS COMMANDING
GENERAL, FLEET MARINE FORCE, PACIFIC
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting
the
For
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a
Grenadier with Company K, Third Battalion, Third Marines, Third Marine
Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of
Vietnam. On 17 June 1969, during Operation Virginia Ridge, Corporal
Rivera’s platoon was providing security for the battalion command group
near Gio Linh in Quang Tri Province when the Marines were attacked by a
large hostile force supported by mortar fire. At the time of the attack,
Corporal Rivera and a few members of his squad were working on the
perimeter and were isolated from their squad leader by the enemy fire. As
the hostile soldiers moved toward his position, Corporal Rivera directed
the fire of nearby squad members and simultaneously delivered accurate and
effective grenade launcher fire at the attackers, thus preventing the enemy
from breaching the perimeter. Then boldly leading his companions approximately
one hundred meters across an open field, he joined his squad leader and the
other members of his squad as they fought off the determined hostile force.
When his squad leader was wounded by fire from a hedgerow, Corporal Rivera
dragged him back to the perimeter and then, assuming command of the squad,
led the Marines in an assault on the hedgerow, driving the enemy out into
the open and forcing them into a disorganized retreat. Continuing to lead
his squad throughout the remaining scattered firefights and during the
defensive action that night, he was instrumental in repelling the
attackers. His heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him and
contributed significantly to the defense of the Marines’ position. By his
courage, bold leadership and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of
great personal danger, Corporal Rivera upheld the highest traditions of the
Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.
