The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class John R. Hamm (MCSN: 2384231), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Machine Gunner with Company B, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 31 May 1968, when his unit became heavily engaged with a large North Vietnamese Army force near Khe Sanh Combat Base, Private First Class Hamm quickly moved to an advantageous position and delivered a heavy volume of machine gun fire against the enemy. In the initial moments of the fire fight, he sustained a severe wound and his weapon was rendered inoperative by a hostile hand grenade. Realizing the seriousness of the situation and aware that his unit needed the support of a machine gun, Private First Class Hamm unhesitatingly moved across the fire-swept terrain to the rear and obtained a machine gun and ammunition. Then, refusing medical assistance, he returned to his hazardous forward position. During the ensuing battle, he repeatedly disregarded his own safety as he advanced to within thirty meters of the enemy emplacements to provide accurate covering fire for the evacuation of casualties. On one occasion, Private First Class Hamm stood in full view of the hostile force and fired directly into an enemy position, enabling Marines to advance and evacuate a casualty from an exposed area. His heroic actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in saving the lives of at least six Marines. By his courage, bold initiative and selfless devotion to duty at great personal risk, Private First Class Hamm upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.