The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Captain John Lee Prichard (MCSN: 0-81650), United States Marine Corps, for heroic achievement in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam while serving as Commanding Officer of Company I, Third Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, on 31 December 1967. While leading his company on a patrol in Quang Tri Province near the Demilitarized Zone, Captain Prichard, observing a small group of North Vietnamese Army soldiers, quickly deployed his men and directed their fire against the enemy. Almost immediately, the Marines came under intense small arms, automatic weapons and mortar fire from a company-size enemy force, well entrenched in a hedgerow. Quickly assessing the situation, Captain Prichard displayed exceptional leadership and tactical ability as he skillfully maneuvered his men into a well integrated defensive perimeter and supervised their fire against the hostile positions. Completely disregarding his own safety, he exposed himself to enemy fire as he continually moved among his men to encourage them and ensure maximum firepower was being delivered against the North Vietnamese. When informed of the location of enemy mortar sites, Captain Prichard resourcefully utilized the aerial observer to adjust counter-mortar fire that destroyed one hostile mortar position and silenced the remainder. After the aerial observer was clear of the enemy positions, friendly artillery fire was called in and accurately adjusted against the North Vietnamese Army force. Observing a Marine seriously wounded forward of the perimeter and exposed to continuing hostile fire, Captain Prichard, ignoring the danger to his own life, unhesitatingly left his relatively safe position and courageously moved to the side of the injured Marine. With the aid of a companion, and despite the heavy volume of enemy fire, he carried the wounded Marine to a covered position within the perimeter where first aid was immediately administered. He then called for and accurately directed the attacks of armed UHY-1E helicopters against the North Vietnamese positions and requested a medical evacuation helicopter. After establishing an emergency landing zone, he directed elements of his company in obtaining fire superiority that allowed the aircraft to land and evacuate the injured. Due largely to his sound, tactical judgment and composure under fire, he was instrumental in defeating the enemy force, resulting in twenty-seven North Vietnamese Soldiers confirmed killed and five probable killed while sustaining only four friendly casualties who were safely evacuated. Captain Prichard’s superior leadership, courage and selfless devotion to duty at great personal risk inspired all who observed him, contributed materially to the accomplishment of the unit’s mission and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. (Captain Prichard is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)