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 Major (Infantry) [then Captain] John Winchester Byers, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of an Infantry Company of the 14th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy under enemy fire in the vicinity of Ap Nha Viec, Republic of Vietnam. On or about 2 July 1967, Captain Byers landed with the initial helicopter assault wave of his company into a heavily defended enemy area. Six of the ten assault aircraft were damaged by enemy fire, precluding any further troop reinforcement for several hours. When Captain Byers initially found himself some distance from the bulk of his troops, he immediately started moving about to establish control of his troops, who were under heavy enemy fire and dispersed about the water-filled rice paddies where they had jumped from their helicopters. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, Captain Byers repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire as he consolidated and organized his small command so that they could continue their offensive mission. By his personal bravery Captain Byers changed what might have been the piecemeal destruction of many American lives into a successful operation that did drive the enemy from their defenses into flight. Captain Byers’ actions are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and bring credit to himself, his unit, and the United States Army.