The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class John Paul Sharpless (MCSN: 2520847), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with the 3d Platoon, Company H, Second Battalion, First Marines, First Marine Division on 26 June 1970. The patrol was operating seven miles south of DaNang, Republic of Vietnam, and along the east bank of the Vinh Dien River. The Patrol’s mission was to closely scout the riverbank to ascertain which areas were being used as river crossing points for the North Vietnamese Army. This particular area was known to be heavily booby trapped. Private First Class Sharpless had the position as the point man for the patrol and in the course of several hours disarmed three booby traps in a calm, professional manner. At approximately 1030 hours in the morning, Private First Class Sharpless accidentally triggered a fourth booby trap. The normal reaction at this point would be for the Marine to attempt to throw himself to the ground and thereby miss some of the blast. Private First Class Sharpless, however, in a courageous and selfless manner spun around leaving himself exposed to the blast and shouted “booby trap…get down…” to the remainder of the patrol, even as the explosion occurred beside him. Private First Class Sharpless was rendered unconscious by the explosion and was first treated by the 3d Platoon Corpsman. He was MEDEVACED by helicopter to the Charley Medical Unit, but died on the way to the hospital even though the MEDEVAC doctors used all available means to save his life. By his repeated acts of valor, steadfast initiative, and selfless act of heroism, Private First Class Sharpless saved the lives of other members of his patrol, thereby reflecting great credit upon him and upholding the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.