Orlando E. Atencio’s Silver Star citation

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

PRIVATE ORLANDO E. ATENCIO,
USMC.,

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

“For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the Third Battalion, Second Marines, Reinforced, during action against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands Area on August 7, 1942. Undeterred by the knowledge that he would be within close range of snipers located on a cliff overlooking the sea, Private Atencio seized a stretcher and rushed into the water to assist a corpsman who was attempting the rescue of an injured marine. When the corpsman sustained a serious wound, Private Atencio held both men above the surface and struggled determinedly to carry them ashore until they were killed by snipers. Refusing to seek safety despite repeated warnings, he undoubtedly saved the lives of several marines by remaining crouched in the water for two hours, directing others away from this perilous area. His daring and valient conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.”

For the President,
Frank Knox
Secretary of the Navy.