The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal John Thomas Wielebski (MCSN: 2201169), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Fire Team Leader with Company A, First Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 23 May 1968, a squad from Company A was establishing a night ambush in the vicinity of DaNang when two satchel charges were thrown into its position by the enemy and seven Marines were wounded by the ensuing explosions, including Corporal Wielebski. Rapidly assessing the situation, and ignoring the intense pain of his own injury, Corporal Wielebski quickly deployed his men to defensive positions and directed their fire against the enemy. After ensuring that the wounded had received medical care, he obtained a radio and, after informing the company command post of the situation, requested a reaction force. Constantly advising the relief force of the tactical situation, he succeeded in guiding it to his position, thereby obtaining vital assistance for his besieged unit. By his courage, superb leadership and unfaltering devotion to duty, Corporal Wielebski inspired all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.