For extraordinary heroism in action while serving as Operations Officer of the First Battalion, Fourth Marines, Third Marine Division, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam from 20 to 22 March 1969. On 20 March 1969, Company D and elements of the First Battalion’s command group were helilifted into Fire Support Base Argonne, located northwest of the Vandegrift Combat Base, to commence a sustained operation against North Vietnamese Army forces in the area. As the Marines landed they came under a heavy volume of mortar, small-arms, and automatic weapons fire, and their lead elements were pinned down by hostile soldiers occupying well-fortified bunkers overlooking the landing zone. Unhesitatingly maneuvering across the fire-swept area to a forward position, Major Pierpan shouted words of encouragement to his men, restoring their confidence and enabling them to provide a base of fire as he and a companion advanced toward the enemy strongholds. When his comrade was seriously wounded, Major Pierpan seized the man’s weapon and boldly assaulted a bunker, killing two North Vietnamese soldiers. As he led continuing attacks against other enemy positions, he tossed a hand grenade through the aperture of a hostile emplacement and was wounded when a North Vietnamese soldier returned the grenade. Ignoring his painful injury, he resolutely continued his determined efforts until the bunker was destroyed, When his commanding officer was mortally wounded on the following morning, Major Pierpan unhesitatingly assumed command and, maneuvering his men with skill and daring, continued to lead the battalion against the enemy until he was relieved by a new commanding officer on 22 March. By his courage, dynamic leadership, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, Major Pierpan contributed significantly to the accomplishment of the battalion’s mission and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.

Col. Pierpan resides in Arizona.