PFC Arender, Loyde P. USMC Bronze Star Medal The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the BRONZE STAR MEDAL to PRIVATE FIRST CLASS LOYDE P. ARENDER 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 with Company K, 3rd Battalion, 26th Marines, 9th Marine Amphibious Brigade. On 28 February 1969, the company was conducting a search and destroy operation when Private First Class Arender, who was positioned at the rear of the tactical column, sighted a North Vietnamese Army soldier and took him under fire accounting for one enemy soldier confirmed killed. Almost immediately, the company came under intense .50 caliber machine gun and small arms fire from a well- concealed enemy force. Disregarding his own safety, Private First Class Arender maneuvered his M-60 machine gun to the point of heaviest contact and observed that the enemy's .50 caliber machine gun, which had the Marines pinned down, was firing from inside a house. He crawled forward through the intense enemy fire until he reached a position close to the structure. He then exposed himself as he delivered suppressive and cover fire for another Marine who threw a hand grenade into the enemy emplacement and silenced it. Observing five North Vietnamese Army soldiers, Private First Class Arender unhesitatingly fired on them and was instrumental in accounting for five enemy soldiers confirmed killed. Exposing himself again, he stood upright and ran to the aid of a wounded Marine, administered first aid, and retrieved a box of M-60 ammunition. Private First Class Arender's courageous actions, bold initiative, and total dedication to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized