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 pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant John James Sinclair, 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 with Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 2d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date a fire support base came under intense enemy mortar attack followed by a massive ground assault. Sergeant Sinclair grouped his men together and raked the onrushing enemy troops with heavy machine gun fire. When several enemy soldiers attempted to mount one of the two friendly vehicles, he killed them with a burst from his machine gun. As wave after wave of enemy soldiers attempted to overrun the two vehicles, Sergeant Sinclair remained at his post and continued to hold them off. When he spotted a sapper attempting to place a satchel charge on the other vehicle, he killed him and saved the vehicle but was fatally wounded by a round fired by another sapper. Staff Sergeant Sinclair’s 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.