Mike & H&S Companies 

Third Battalion, Fifth Marines

Veterans of the Vietnam War

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

GUNNERY SERGEANT DENNIS T. DINOTA

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

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 Company Gunnery Sergeant with Company M, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Marine Division.  On 16 May 1967 during Operation Union, Company M was deployed in the vicinity of Phong Phu (1), Quang Tin Province, to relieve another company which had been subjected to enemy small arms, machine gun and mortar fire. As his company moved into position, Gunnery Sergeant Dinota observed two mortally wounded Marines lying in an exposed area approximately 110 meters to the front of the company's perimeter and in danger of being captured by the numerically superior enemy force.  Unhesitatingly, he organized a squad and led it along a trench line for seventy-five meters across an exposed rice paddy to the position of their fallen companions. Exposing himself to the intense enemy fire, he directed the evacuation of the Marines, recovered three M-16 rifles and one M-60 machine gun, and returned his squad safely to his company's position without sustaining a casualty. His resolute courage and unwavering determination inspired all who observed him and greatly enhanced the morale of his unit. Gunnery Sergeant Dinota's exceptional professionalism, exemplary leadership and selfless devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.

The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.

                                                For the President

                                                Louis A. Wilson

                                                Commandant of the Marine Corps