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 to Lieutenant Colonel (Armor) John Winn McEnery (ASN: 0-57184), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 31 August 1968, while serving as Commanding Officer of the 3d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, while conducting an aerial reconnaissance mission in the vicinity of Chanh Long, an observer spotted a Viet Cong force of unknown size hiding along a stream. Colonel McEnery immediately decided to engage the enemy force with his small force of two helicopters. He gained fire superiority by directing heavy suppressive fire from his helicopters and then ordered his small force into the Viet Cong-dominated area. Personally leading his men in close assault against the Communist positions, Colonel McEnery killed one Communist soldier at close range with his .45 caliber pistol and caused the surrender of another Communist soldier who provided allied intelligence with important information on Communist infiltration routes and techniques. Lieutenant Colonel McEnery’s heroic actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.

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 a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Armor) John Winn McEnery (ASN: 0-57184), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 28 October 1968, while serving as Commanding Officer of the 3d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, Colonel McEnery received an urgent call for assistance from an American advisor whose unit was engaged by an unknown-sized Communist force. Upon reaching the area of contact, Colonel McEnery immediately directed his pilot to land his command and control aircraft in the vicinity of the friendly forces in order to observe the progress of the engagement. Discovering that the enemy force was attempting to retreat, he directed the pilot to return to the air in order to maintain surveillance of the Communist escape routes. As the aircraft was taking off it suddenly came under an intense barrage of automatic weapons fire from three enemy soldiers. Reacting instantly, Colonel McEnery placed accurate small arms fire upon the hostile elements with his personal weapon, while directing the door gunner’s fire upon the enemy. Two of the enemy were immediately killed, but the third continued to engage the helicopter with small arms fire. While making a pass over the enemy soldier, Colonel McEnery wounded him with his personal weapon and continued to circle the hostile soldier until the friendly ground unit captured him. Lieutenant Colonel McEnery’s unwavering devotion to duty and heroic actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.