The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal John Patrick Keaveney (MCSN: 2207230), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company A, First Amphibian Tractor Battalion, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 20 January 1968, while moving into a blocking position during a search and destroy operation near My Loc Village in Quang Tri Province, Corporal Keaveney’s unit came under intense small arms fire. As he deployed his fire team, he observed three battalion scouts who had been wounded and were lying in a dangerously exposed position. Reacting instantly, he skillfully maneuvered his fire team through the hostile fire to a position near the wounded men and quickly established a defensive perimeter. He then skillfully directed the delivery of a heavy volume of fire at the hostile positions. When his team received fire from three enemy snipers concealed in a nearby building, Corporal Keaveney fearlessly and with complete disregard for his own safety rushed the building and killed the snipers single-handedly at close range. Returning to his fire team’s position, he directed one of his men to provide covering fire while he carried a wounded scout to a position of relative safety. While moving out of the hazardous area, the Marine providing security for Corporal Keaveney was wounded. Again with complete disregard for his own safety, Corporal Keaveney rushed back across the fire-swept area to the side of his comrade and carried him to a covered position. The remaining Marines were able to reach friendly lines under the covering fire provided by nearby units. Largely due to his heroic actions and bold initiative, he undoubtedly saved the lives of his comrades and was an inspiration to all who observed him. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and selfless devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Corporal Keaveney contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.