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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) John Charles Hedley, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. First Lieutenant Hedley distinguished himself while serving as a Platoon Leader with Company E, 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division. On 6 November 1969, Landing Zone SAINT GEORGE came under heavy enemy ground attack, Reacting immediately, First Lieutenant Hedley left the safety of the command bunker to check the security of the perimeter. Once he had assured himself of the perimeter security, First Lieutenant Hedley ran across the battalion area to check out the rest of the base. As he approached the motor pool, First Lieutenant Hedley observed three suspicious individuals. Not wanting to fire on his own men, First Lieutenant Hedley maneuvered for a closer look. When he was within ten meters of the individuals he determined that they were enemy soldiers and immediately opened fire, killing all three. He then continued to move about the base checking on wounded personnel. Seeing two of his men pinned down by enemy fire, First Lieutenant Hedley exposed himself to the enemy fire to draw their fire away from the men. This allowed them to move to better positions. First Lieutenant Hedley’s courageous actions, extraordinary performance, and exemplary devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.