The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal John M. Mihalovich (MCSN: 2108819), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Fire Team Leader with Company G, Second Battalion, Twenty-Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in the Republic of Vietnam on 15 March 1968. Corporal Mihalovich’s fire team was participating in a squad sized patrol into a suspected enemy occupied area in Quang Nam Province. While moving through the area, a member of the patrol unknowingly brushed the well camouflaged trip wire to an enemy surprise firing device. Immediately realizing the extreme danger, Corporal Mihalovich shouted a warning to his companions and with complete disregard for his own safety, knocked the unsuspecting Marine to the ground, absorbing the full impact of the resulting explosion which severely wounded him. Although in great pain, he displayed great physical stamina and courage as he crawled forward to assist another wounded Marine. Unable to reach his companion’s position due to the seriousness of his own wounds, he directed a corpsman to where the casualty lay. Despite the severity of his painful injuries, he continued to encourage those about him and served as an inspiration to all who witnessed his selfless actions in saving the life of a fellow Marine. By his grave concern for another, steadfast courage and unfaltering devotion to duty at great personal risk, Corporal Mihalovich upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.