The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lance Corporal John Wesley Dobbs, Jr. (MCSN: 1910349), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company D, Third Reconnaissance Battalion, THIRD Marine Division, in connection with combat operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 14 May 1965, Lance Corporal Dobbs participated in a reconnaissance patrol at Nam Yen near DaNang. During the course of the patrol, the lead elements were taken under intense automatic weapons and small arms fire by a numerically superior force located in covered positions. During the ensuing fire fight, two Marines were wounded and blown over an embankment by enemy hand grenades. With total disregard for his personal safety, Lance Corporal Dobbs unhesitatingly moved to an exposed position and drew direct enemy fire in order to cover the withdrawal of the wounded. He then worked his way along the base of an exposed cliff and threw a grenade in an attempt to silence the enemy. In the process of this courageous act, Lance Corporal Dobbs was wounded by an enemy grenade. Undaunted by his wound, he continued his attack and destroyed the enemy automatic weapons position with another grenade. Continuing to ignore his painful wound, Lance Corporal Dobbs returned to previously wounded Marines in order to escort them to a position of safety. By his courage, selfless actions and inspiring devotion to duty throughout, Lance Corporal Dobbs upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.