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 Johnny Thomas Fuller (ASN: US-53455374), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Private First Class Fuller distinguished himself while serving as a Rifleman with Company C, 2d Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division. On 30 September 1968, Private First Class Fuller’s platoon was conducting combat operations north of Duc Lap. As his squad, the point element, was maneuvering along the woodline of an adjacent highway it suddenly received intense small arms, machine gun, mortar and B-40 rocket fire from an estimated company-size enemy unit to its front and right flank. Immediately, Private First Class Fuller engaged the enemy with accurate rifle fire in an attempt to momentarily break contact and allow his squad to withdraw. As the fighting intensified Private First Class Fuller, knowing that the numerically superior enemy force would soon overcome him, elected to hold his position to allow his comrades to withdraw under his protective fire. It was while defending this position that he was mortally wounded. Private First Class Fuller’s bravery in the face of extreme danger was instrumental in preventing further friendly casualties. His courageous acts, persevering concern for the welfare of his fellow soldiers and exemplary devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.