The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major John William O’Donnell (MCSN: 0-72969), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in armed conflict against the Communist insurgents in the Republic of Vietnam, on 6 and 7 August 1966. As Assistant Advisor to the First Battalion, Vietnamese Marine Corps, which participated in Operation LIEN KET 52/COLORADO in Quang Tri Province, Major O’Donnell landed in the first assault wave in enemy held territory and moved with the lead company toward the enemy force. Although intense mortar and automatic weapons fire was encountered from the entrenched Viet Cong, the Marine battalion captured the enemy position, killed a large number of Viet Cong and took 17 enemy prisoners. While en route to their next objective, the Vietnamese Marines were opposed by determined enemy resistance. During the ensuing battle, Major O’Donnell received a radio message that the battalion advisor had been wounded. Without regard for his own safety, he traversed an open rice paddy exposed to enemy fire, to join the battalion commander. Three times Major O’Donnell was blown off his feet by concussion of mortar rounds, yet he continued on. Upon reaching the battalion commander, he adjusted artillery fire which forced the enemy to break contact. The following morning, Major O’Donnell again joined friendly forces in continuing the attack, which was halted by intense enemy resistance. From an exposed position, he directed a forward air controller in spotting the enemy fortifications, which were destroyed by friendly forces. Major O’Donnell’s ready acceptance of responsibility and complete disregard for his own personal safety significantly contributed to the success of this operation, during which numerous Viet Cong were killed, wounded, or captured. Throughout the engagement, Major O’Donnell displayed devotion to duty, courage under fire and outstanding professionalism which upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.