Navy Federal Credit Union

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 Sergeant First Class John Lewis Ponting (ASN: RA-17396173), United States Army, for gallantry in action. Sergeant First Class Ponting distinguished himself by heroism on 21 November 1967, while engaged in military operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. During the battle for hill 875, Sergeant Ponting was serving as platoon sergeant of the 1st Platoon, Company B, 4th Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry, 173d Airborne Brigade (Separate). While assaulting the hill, Sergeant Ponting’s platoon became pinned down by heavy mortar, rocket and automatic weapons fire. Due to its exposed location, an enemy sniper was able to deliver very accurate fire into the platoon command post group, which killed the platoon radio telephone operator. In complete disregard for his own safety, Sergeant Ponting personally led a fire team around to the flank of his platoon and destroyed the sniper. This action enabled the remainder of the assault element to continue its attack. Soon the whole assault element was pinned down by heavy automatic weapons fire which was inflicting many casualties. As his platoon medic had already been killed, Sergeant Ponting continuously exposed himself to administer aid to his wounded comrades. While performing these duties, Sergeant Ponting was critically wounded by an enemy grenade and evacuated. He later died from his wounds. His valorous actions and untiring efforts undoubtedly prevented his platoon from bogging down in the assault and helped save the lives of many of his fallen comrades. Sergeant Ponting’s extraordinary personal heroism was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

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