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 Captain (Infantry) John Dean Veatch (ASN: 0-93992), United States Army, for gallantry in action against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Captain Veatch distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 22 June 1968 while serving as Commanding Officer of Company A, 4th Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 11th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division. On that date, Captain Veatch was leading one of his platoons on a reconnaissance mission through an area northeast of Landing Zone BALDY. While maneuvering on the operation, the point element made contact with an enemy force of undetermined size. Within moments, the entire platoon was engaged from all sides. Observing three of his men sustain painful wounds and fall in an exposed area, Captain Veatch moved to their aid. When he was approximately fifty meters from their position, he received intense hostile fire from two enemy machineguns. Realizing that the insurgents had gained fire superiority, he maneuvered to a vantage point and called in air strikes on the enemy. As the fighter bombers neutralized the hostile fire, Captain Veatch called in medevac helicopters to extract the wounded. He then quickly organized his men and initiated an assault on the hostile positions, forcing the insurgents to break contact and withdraw. Through his timely actions, he contributed greatly to the success of the operation and the subsequent defeat of the enemy. Captain Veatch’s personal heroism, professional competence, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Americal Division and the United States Army.