The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) John E. Mirus (ASN: OF-100956), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in connection with military operations against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Captain Mirus distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 11 November 1967 while serving as Commanding Officer of Company C, 3d Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division. On 11 November 1967, Company C was conducting a search and destroy operation south of Dak To in the Central Highlands. As the unit moved up onto Hill 724 to establish a defensive perimeter and construct a helicopter landing zone with Companies B and D, all three units came under a heavy rocket and mortar attack, followed by a strong ground assault by an enemy force estimated at battalion strength. Despite the intense enemy small arms and automatic weapons fire, Captain Mirus effectively directed the defense of his unit. Upon learning that Company B’s Commander had been mortally wounded, he crossed seventy-five meters of open terrain to take command of Company B while still controlling his own unit. He continually exposed himself to hostile fire as he crawled to the unit’s left flank to rally the men and readjust defensive positions. After re-establishing badly-needed communications, he pulled several wounded men to safety and directed artillery fire on suspected enemy mortar positions. Throughout the night, he moved about the battle area, encouraging his men and directing the completion of a helicopter landing zone to facilitate medical evacuation and emergency supply. Captain Mirus’ extraordinary heroism in close combat against an armed hostile force is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.