The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal John Edward Hazelwood (MCSN: 2268715), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Squad Leader with Company I, Third Battalion, Twenty-Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the morning of 28 May 1968 during Operation ALLEN BROOK, Corporal Hazelwood’s platoon was advancing across an open area toward a tree line near the village of Cu Ban (4), when the Marines came under heavy automatic weapons, small arms and rocket fire and were pinned down by a well entrenched enemy force. As supporting tanks moved into the area to aid the besieged unit, one vehicle was immediately disabled by an enemy rocket propelled grenade. Alertly detecting the source of the enemy fire, Corporal Hazelwood fearlessly exposed himself to hostile fire as he ran thirty-five meters to the nearest tank and utilizing the vehicle’s tank-infantry phone, directed accurate 90-mm. fire into the enemy position, destroying it. Returning across the fire-swept area to his squad and realizing the importance of gaining fire superiority, Corporal Hazelwood again exposed himself to hostile fire as he organized his men and led an aggressive assault against the enemy-held tree line. Throughout the ensuing battle, he moved from one man to another, offering words of encouragement and directing accurate fire at enemy positions until he was mortally wounded. His dynamic leadership and determined actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his extraordinary courage, bold initiative and selfless devotion to duty, Corporal Hazelwood upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.