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 Captain (Military Intelligence) John Scarborough Hughes, Jr., United States Army, for gallantry in action on 3 June 1970 while serving as District Intelligence Officer and Coordinator, Tinh Bien District, Chau Doc Province, Republic of Vietnam. On this date in the early morning hours, the Tinh Bien District compound came under an intense mortar fire and sapper attack. Captain Hughes took immediate action and ordered all personnel into covered positions. When informed that enemy sappers, using automatic weapons and grenades, ha penetrated the perimeter and were attempting to emplace satchel charges, Captain Hughes fearlessly engaged the enemy sappers. When a team of enemy sappers attempted to destroy the Team House, where a fellow advisor was operating the team radio. Captain Hughes left his position and ran across the fire-swept compound to the team house. He immediately engaged the enemy sappers and ordered his fellow advisors to move from the team house with the radio to a more protective bunker. While covering the advisor’s withdrawal, he exposed himself to hostile fire in the doorway of the team house and again engaged the enemy sappers until he was hit by shrapnel from an exploding rocket and fell mortally wounded. As a result of Captain Hughes’ courageous efforts his fellow advisors and Vietnamese comrades were able to repel the enemy sapper attack. Captain Hughes’ conspicuous gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his and the military service.