The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Hospital Corpsman Third Class John Joseph Brasier (NSN: 8940182), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Medical Corpsman attached to Company I, 3d Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division, on 16 November 1955, in connection with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. When the amphibian tractor in which Hospital Corpsman Third Class Brasier was riding struck an anti-tank mine, the resulting explosion detonated the fuel and ammunition aboard and threw the seventeen passengers from the burning vehicle. Although suffering from shot, painful burns and bruises, Hospital Corpsman Brasier completely disregarded his own wounds to provide immediate aid to his companions. Observing an unconscious man, whose clothes were in flames, lying near the burning tractor, he unhesitatingly rushed to the man’s side, dragged him away from the vehicle and extinguished the Marine’s flaming clothing with his hands. He then quickly administered treatment for shock, burns and cuts. Exhibiting uncommon concern for the welfare of his comrades, he gave medical aid to each of the wounded, undaunted by several explosions which occurred in the amphibian, located only yards away. When a Medical Officer arrived fifteen minutes later, he found that Hospital Corpsman Brasier had treated and bandaged every wound and burn and administered morphine to those in extreme pain. Throughout the ordeal, he refused medical aid for his own wounds. By the time he was finally evacuated, he was unable to walk because of shock and his painful burns and bruises. His heroic and selfless actions undoubtedly saved numerous lives and inspired all who observed him. By his outstanding professional skill, exceptional presence of mind, quick reactions and loyal devotion to duty at great personal risk, Hospital Corpsman Brasier upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.