Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Specialist Fourth Class

    Batallion:

    2d Squadron

    Regiment:

    11th Armored Cavalry Regiment

    Action Date:

    August 12, 1969

    Headquarters, II Field Force Vietnam, General Orders No. 4955 (December 31, 1969)

    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 Specialist Fourth Class John G. Near, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 12 August 1969, while serving as an Armored Cavalry Assault Vehicle Driver with Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 2d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, Specialist Near was part of a six-man liaison team with the 5th Division of the Army of the Republic of Vietnam, when their night defensive positions were suddenly engaged by an estimated North Vietnamese battalion. As the enemy advanced firing an intense fusillade of small arms, automatic weapons and rocket -propelled grenade fire, the two vehicle teams backed up and attempted to stop the enemy until reinforcements could arrive. When the South Vietnamese were forced to pull back, Specialist Near continued to engage the enemy with his machine gun. Nor nearly an hour he shot into the enemy ranks, swinging the weapon around to engage soldiers attacking from the rear. The enemy attempted human wave assaults but the small team was able to defend itself until it was forced to withdraw. Specialist Fourth Class Near’s gallant actions, courage and complete disregard for his personal safety were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.