The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant John A. Danis (MCSN: 1888311), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company G, Second Battalion, Ninth Marines, in connection with combat operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 14 June 1966, while on patrol, the first platoon of Company G received a sudden attack from both its flanks. Upon receiving orders to assault the enemy position, Sergeant Danis directed his squad across an open clearing, up a twenty foot hill and into a fortified trench line. When the first fire team leader became a casualty, Sergeant Danis directed the first fire team as well as the rest of the squad toward the fortified trench line until the squad again encountered heavy enemy fire. Knowing that the safety of the platoon depended on his squad gaining fire superiority and overrunning the enemy position, he led the charge against the Viet Cong position while under intense enemy fire. Critically wounded in the back, causing extreme pain and paralyzing both legs, he continued to direct the actions of his squad until overcome by his wounds. Sergeant Danis’ daring initiative and courageous actions upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.