Anthony H Marengo
HOME OF RECORD:
Richmond, New York
AWARD BY DATE OF ACTION:
January 26, 1967
Silver Star
AWARDED FOR ACTIONS
DURING Vietnam War
Service: United States Marine Corps
Rank: Gunnery Sergeant
Company: Fox & Hotel
Battalion: Second Battalion
Regiment: Fifth Marines
Division: 1st Marine Division (Rein.), FMF
GENERAL ORDERS:
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Anthony Henry Marengo (MCSN: 1692871), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Sergeant with Company F, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces on 26 January 1967, in the Republic of Vietnam.
During Operation TUSCALOOSA near An Hoa in Duc Duc District, Quang Nam Province, Staff Sergeant Marengo’s company was crossing the Song Ba Ren River when it came under a heavy volume of enemy automatic weapons and mortar fire from the village of Le Nam on the opposite bank. Reacting instantly, he quickly and aggressively assisted in executing the river crossing. Approaching the village, his platoon came under intense enemy small arms, automatic weapons, and mortar fire, temporarily pinning down the lead squad and causing numerous casualties.
Displaying exceptional tactical skill, Staff Sergeant Marengo expeditiously aided in organizing his platoon to deliver effective fire on the enemy positions. Then, with complete disregard for his own safety, he advanced under heavy enemy fire to the lead squad and carried a mortally wounded fire team leader to a covered position. With dauntless courage and fearless determination, he again exposed himself to hostile fire to return to the point squad and lead it to a covered position where he reorganized the unit. Observing two wounded Marines, he assisted them to safety and obtained medical aid and evacuation.
Throughout the encounter, his daring and heroic leadership, sound tactical skill, and bold initiative were instrumental in defeating the numerically superior enemy force and in minimizing Marine casualties. By his aggressive fighting spirit and selfless devotion to duty, Staff Sergeant Marengo upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.