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 pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) John Thomas Gatesy (ASN: OF-107693), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in close combat against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. First Lieutenant Gatesy distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 19 June 1967, while serving as a Platoon Leader of Company C, 3d Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, on a search and destroy mission as part of Operation CONCORDIA, near the village of Ap Bac, Vietnam. As the unit advanced through an area of open rice paddies and interlacing dikes, it suddenly came under an intense volume of automatic and semi-automatic weapons fire from a numerically superior Viet Cong force that lay waiting in ambush in well-entrenched positions. Without regard for personal safety and fully aware of the peril of the situation, First Lieutenant Gatesy courageously led his men to an earthen dike and began directing their fire on the insurgents, allowing the remainder of his force to reach an area that afforded some degree of cover. During the ensuing battle, First Lieutenant Gatesy was painfully wounded, but he gallantly refused medical attention and continued to lead his men in a truly inspiring manner. As the battle gained in intensity, First Lieutenant Gatesy heroically exposed himself to the torrent of enemy fire and charged one of the hostile emplacements. Reaching the bunker, he succeeded in eliminating the enemy threat, thus allowing his men to advance on the Viet Cong position. Although wounded once again, First Lieutenant Gatesy continued to yell encouragement to his men and brilliantly directed their final assault of the hostile position. First Lieutenant Gatesy’s extraordinary heroism while engaged in close combat against a numerically superior force is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 9th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.