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 Private First Class John Stephen Wasilow (ASN: 67086249), United States Army, for gallantry in action. Private First Class Wasilow distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry in connection with military operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam on 24 November 1968, while serving with Company B, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry Regiment, 173d Airborne Brigade, near Bong Son, Republic of Vietnam. On that morning, Private Wasilow’s squad came into contact with an estimated Viet Cong platoon. Serving as assistant machine gunner, Private Wasilow assaulted the enemy position until the machine gun developed a malfunction. When the enemy began to concentrate fire upon the machine gunner, Private Wasilow moved forward to an exposed position in order to place suppressive fire upon the enemy. He engaged an enemy squad at close range, killing one and wounding several others. Private Wasilow then moved forward, placing fire upon an enemy automatic rifle crew which were menacing the rest of his squad. His selfless actions inflicted heavy damage upon the enemy, and enabled his squad to obtain vital firepower superiority. Private Wasilow’s exceptionally valorous actions in the face of enemy fire were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.