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 Private First Class John Timmons Bruton, United States Army, for gallantry In action involving close combat against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Private First Class Bruton distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 2 June 1968, while serving as a Rifleman with Company E, 2d Battalion, 29th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, on a reconnaissance in force mission in Binh Tuong Province. Private First Class Bruton’s company was pinned down by intense automatic weapons fire from a well-concealed enemy bunker complex. He immediately began a flanking movement and destroyed a machine gun position with hand grenades although wounded in the shoulder by shrapnel. Continuing to crawl forward, he was again wounded by small arms fire but pressed on and eliminated a sniper position. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private First Class Bruton, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 9th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.