The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Gunnery Sergeant [then Sergeant] John Arthur Deering (MCSN: 2212178), United States Marine Corps, for heroic achievement while interned as a Prisoner of War in Southeast Asia from February 1968 to November 1970. During this period, Gunnery Sergeant Deering displayed exceptional character and determination in his resistance to overcome the severe mental and physical cruelties imposed upon him by the enemy, who ignored international agreements concerning treatment of prisoners of war. Severely beaten and deprived of the opportunity to sleep for days, he nevertheless refused to allow his captors to subjugate him or those fellow enlisted prisoners who otherwise might have found it more difficult to adhere to the Code of Conduct. By his professionalism, courage, and devotion to duty, Gunnery Sergeant Deering reflected great credit upon himself, the Marine Corps, and the United States Naval Service. [The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.]