SILVER STAR

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the SILVER STAR MEDAL to

  MAJOR HAROLD D. PETTENGILL

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

For service as set forth in the following

 CITATION:

           For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as the Commanding Officer of Company “L”, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines during Operation UNION TWO on 26 May 1967 in connection with combat operations against the enemy in South Vietnam. Leading his rifle company in the heliborne assault that led off this Operation, Major (then Captain) Pettengill’s forces landed in the midst of approximately 1,000 enemy. Though seriously wounded by enemy fire, causing loss of hearing and severing several muscles in his neck, Major Pettengill retained command of his Company and professionally directed air and artillery fire to bear on the enemy positions. Refusing medical evacuation, he resolutely continued to render the enemy positions ineffective; thereby assuring the safe landing of the remainder of his Battalion in the landing zone. By his courageous and daring actions, complete disregard for his own personal safety, and selfless devotion to duty, Major Pettengill reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.

FOR THE PRESIDENT,

J. WILLIAM MIDDENDORF

SECRETARY OF THE NAVY