The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal John Leon Loweranitis (MCSN: 2052170), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company I, Third Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on September 3, 1966. Company I, reinforced with two ontos (tracked vehicles bearing six mounted recoilless rifles), was conducting a search and destroy mission against the Viet Cong guerilla forces, at an estimated strength of two companies, in the vicinity of An Hoa. After the sixty-millimeter mortar team of which Corporal Loweranitis was an ammunition man had expended all of its ammunition, he boarded an ontos that was under heavy enemy fire with its commander and machine gun out of action. He took charge and personally backed the vehicle out of the only landing zone that could be used for a medical evacuation helicopter. He then crossed open ground, boarded the remaining vehicle, taking over as its commander and machine gunner. He directed the vehicle forward of the position where the first vehicle was hit and delivered suppressive fire into the enemy-held wood line that was holding up his platoon and preventing evacuation of five casualties. Through his heroic actions, the medical evacuation was completed and the platoon was able to advance and inflict many enemy casualties. He stayed on as ontos commander and gunner for the remaining three hours of the fire fight, maneuvering the ontos and delivering effective fire into the Viet Cong positions and anchoring the platoon’s exposed left flank throughout the action. Corporal Loweranitis’ initiative and courageous actions reflected great credit upon himself and the Marine Corps and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.