The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star (Army Award) to Captain Patrick J. McCann (MCSN: 0-92375), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action on 2 June 1970 while serving as Senior Advisor, 2d Battalion, 54th Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, Army of the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, the enemy launched an intense attack on the battalion’s position. In the initial stage of the attack, Captain McCann calmly and effectively directed air strikes and aerial rocket artillery upon the enemy. Realizing the importance of directing the aerial support, he moved about the perimeter while directing gunship fire on suspected enemy positions. During the lulls when not directing air strikes, he moved from position to position, encouraging the men of the battalion to repel the seemingly relentless attack. Although lightly wounded himself, he continually exposed himself to intense enemy fire as he assisted in loading the wounded into helicopters for medical evacuation. Captain McCann worked tirelessly on the radio throughout the day and night coordinating aerial support and directing illumination and suppressive fires around his position. He continued to display this unfaltering courage until he was severely wounded and had to be evacuated. The men of the battalion, so inspired by his courage and selfless devotion to duty, victoriously repulsed the enemy force and inflicted numerous casualties upon them. Captain McCann’s conspicuous gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and reflects great credit upon himself and the Military Service.