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 Corporal [then Private First Class] John Thomas McMahon (ASN: RA-18835118), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 8 June 1967 in the Republic of Vietnam. Corporal McMahon distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action and personal sacrifice as two platoons of Company C, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 327th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, were moving through thickly vegetated mountainous terrain west of Duc Pho on a search and destroy mission when the lead platoon was ambushed by an enemy machine gun position. The initial burst of fire killed one man and seriously wounded the machine gunner and point man. Corporal McMahon, realizing the importance of the machine gun in placing effective suppressive fire on the enemy and the saving of the wounded paratroopers lives, with complete disregard for his own safety, unhesitatingly exposed himself to the hostile fire and moved to retrieve the weapon. He reached the machine gun and with unflinching determination engaged the enemy so effectively that two of his comrades were able to advance and move the wounded men to a safe spot. Upon returning, the two paratroopers discovered that Corporal McMahon had been mortally wounded during his valiant effort of engaging the enemy position. Corporal McMahon’s unfaltering courage forced the enemy ambush position to withdraw to another location and enabled his platoon to consolidate and overrun the enemy. His determination, dedication, and heroism resulted in one enemy dead and the capture of an enemy machine gun. Corporal McMahon’s unquestionable display of valor, and intense devotion to duty in close combat were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, Task Force OREGON, and the United States Army.