The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal John Joseph Hoban (MCSN: 2029200), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Machine Gun Squad Leader with Company K, Third Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Dai Lac area of the Republic of Vietnam. On 4 July 1966, the platoon to which Corporal Hoban was attached came under intense fire from a numerically superior force of insurgent communist (Viet Cong) estimated to be from 300 to 500 men in strength. Corporal Hoban’s machine gun teams were receiving such a devastating hail of fire that they were unable to move to a position from which they could return fire. Realizing that immediate action was required, Corporal Hoban, in an attempt to draw enemy fire away from the guns, fearlessly and with no thought for personal safety, exposed himself to the heavy enemy fire. Corporal Hoban immediately sustained a head wound, and, while being treated, received wounds in both legs. Despite the severe pain, Corporal Hoban again courageously exposed himself to the onslaught of enemy fire, returning fire at the enemy. His courageous actions not only drew the fire of the enemy away from the machine guns, but inspired the entire unit, and fire superiority was gained. After being treated by a Corpsman, Corporal Hoban continued to display this same selfless devotion to his fellow Marines by assisting in the treatment of other casualties despite his own wounds. By his daring actions, extreme courage, and selfless devotion to duty, Corporal Hoban upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.