The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant John F. Dunn (MCSN: 0-96578), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action on 18 August 1969 while serving as Senior Advisor to the First Battalion, 6th Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, Army of the Republic of Vietnam. The battalion was conducting a combat sweep operation south of Quang Ngai City when contact was made with an estimated two companies of North Vietnamese main force troops. First Lieutenant Dunn immediately positioned himself with the ARVN Battalion Commander to offer his assistance in conducting the operation. Throughout the battle First Lieutenant Dunn directed air strikes and gun ships on automatic weapons positions with great accuracy in spite of constant exposure to intense enemy small arms fire. While directing the supporting arms, he and the Vietnamese Battalion Commander were taken under heavy fire from a creek bed approximately 50 meters from their position. Without hesitation and in complete disregard for his personal safety, First Lieutenant Dunn charged directly toward the enemy, firing as he ran. His selfless example of courage and valor was an inspiration to the Vietnamese soldiers and contributed significantly to their efforts to rout the enemy. First Lieutenant Dunn’s conspicuous gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.