The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Captain (Armor) John Shaw Sabine, IV (ASN: 0-5316367), United States Army, for gallantry in action on 30 March 1966, while voluntarily serving as Rifle Platoon Commander of the A Troop Rifle Platoon, 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, during the absence of the assigned platoon leader. During a reconnaissance of suspected Viet Cong positions, southwest of Plei Me, Republic of Vietnam, with a platoon size force, his platoon came in contact with an estimated North Vietnamese Army Regiment. Although critically wounded twice in the leg while leading his men against the numerically superior force, Captain Sabine inspired his troops through his superb leadership, competent orders, and personal examples of heroism. He personally destroyed several bunkers killing the occupants by placing grenades in them. Under his direction his small force beat off numerous attacks while withdrawing to a pick-up zone. Although unconscious from time to time due to intense pain from wounds received, he continued to deploy his forces and direct gunship fire support within twenty meters of his platoon’s position. When he realized that due to his wounded condition he was slowing the platoon’s withdrawal, he ordered his men to leave him behind. Captain Sabine personally killed six Viet Cong in the process of directing and leading his troops and remained in the pick-up zone from which the last of his elements were to be extracted. While receiving attacks on this position from every quarter he efficiently directed the fire of his remaining elements and gunship support, successfully defending his area against an overwhelming force. Through his inspirational leadership, exceptional courageous and heroic actions in the face of superior numerical forces and fire power, he successfully defended the pick-up zone until being extracted. He subsequently succumbed to the wounds received and injuries sustained when the aircraft on which he was being extracted was shot down. Captain Sabine’s conspicuous gallantry was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.