Peter Guenette
Memorial Open
Sept 17 and 18 2005
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond
the call of duty, Sp4-c.  Guenette distinguished himself while serving as a machine gunner a
suspected enemy base camp, it came under light harassing fire from a well equipped and
firmly entrenched squad of North Vietnamese Army regulars which was serving as a delaying
force at the entrance to their base camp.  As the platoon moved within 10 meters of the
fortified position, the enemy fire became intense.  Sp4c Guenette and his assistant gunner
immediately began to provide a base of suppressive fire, ceasing momentarily to allow the
assistant gunner time to throw a grenade into a bunker.  Seconds later, an enemy grenade
was thrown to Sp4c. Guenette's right flank.  Realizing that the grenade would kill or wound at
least 4 men and destroy the machine gun, he shouted a warning and smothered the
grenade with his body, absorbing its blast.  Through his action, he prevented loss of life or
injury to at least 3 men and enabled his comrades to maintain their fire superiority.  By his
gallantry at the cost of his life in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service,
Sp4c. Guenette has reflected great credit on himself, his unit and the US Army.

Home of Record: Troy, NY

Unit Company D, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 506th Infantry, 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile)