Robert C. Brutinel

Private 1st Class, U. S. Marine Corps

Silver Star

GENERAL ORDERS:
Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force Pacific: Serial 45501 (December 9, 1947)
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Robert C. Brutinel (MCSN: 818418), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Demolition Man and Flame Thrower Operator of Company H, Third Battalion, Twenty-seventh Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 12 March 1945.
When his company was held up by an enemy pillbox, Private First Class Brutinel made a direct frontal attack on the hostile emplacement, firing his flame thrower until the fuel supply was exhausted. Returning to the company dump, he refilled his weapon and, advancing again on the Japanese position, attacking the pillbox until it was completely silenced. His courage and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon the United States Naval Service.