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

for service as set forth in the following

                 CITATION:

                         “For heroic achievement in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam while serving as Weapons Platoon Sergeant with company i, Third Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, Third Marine Division. On 18 March 1968, the company ‘s defensive perimeter on Hill 881 South near Khe Sanh came under a heavy North Vietnamese mortar attack, and one round landed in
a 60mm mortar emplacement, detonating illumination and high explosive rounds that exploded and ignited the ordnance in a nearby ammunition bunker. When informed of the situation. Corporal MALENSKY ignored enemy rounds impacting in the area as he unhesitatingly moved to the burning bunker. completely disregarding his own safety, he rapidly separated burning high explo’sive rounds with his bare hands to prevent further explosions. Although his hands were severely burned, he steadfastly remained in the hazardous area and shoveled dirt on the flames until the fire was extinguished. Corporal MALENSKY’s courage, bold initiative and selfless devotion to duty at great personal risk inspired all who observed him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.”

corporal MALENSKY is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.

FOR THE PRESIDENT,

H. W. RUSE, JR.
LIEUTENANT GENERAL, U. S. MARINE CORPS
COMMANDING GENERAL. FLEE TMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC