The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Third Gold Star in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Chief Special Warfare Operator John W. Marcum, United States Navy, for heroic achievement in connection with combat operations against the enemy as Assault Team Leader for a Joint Task Force in direct support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM from 4 January to 11 April 2007. Chief Petty Officer Marcum skillfully employed his multi-man assault team and enablers during the execution of multiple dashing direct action missions in uncertain environments resulting in the elimination or capture of numerous suspected terrorists. During the execution of these missions, he repeatedly exposed himself to enemy threats and improvised explosive devices. His quick thinking and tactical expertise were essential as his team was often engaged in close quarters combat. In one action, he was directly responsible for engaging armed enemy combatants before they had the opportunity to engage his assault troops. His superb leadership and exceptional performance significantly degraded the enemy’s effectiveness and contributed greatly to his Task Force’s primary mission to capture and eliminate terrorist fighters. By his extraordinary guidance, zealous initiative, and total dedication to duty, Chief Petty Officer Marcum reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Chief Marcum is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Intelligence Specialist First Class John W. Marcum, United States Navy, for heroic achievement in connection with combat operations against the enemy as a member of a special operations unit while assigned to a Joint Task Force conducting special operations in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM from 29 April to 8 July 2003. Subject to constant attacks and ambushes during his extended combat deployment, Petty Officer Marcum performed superbly during numerous reconnaissance and personnel capture missions as well as a critical vehicle interdiction in a high threat region. His highly specialized team transited through over 1,000 kilometers of hostile, enemy terrain as he aggressively pursued the senior leadership of the insurgent enemy forces. Petty Officer Marcum’s expertise in close quarters battle, mobility skills, patrol tactics, navigation, and heavy weapons was vital to the success of several missions that resulted in revealing a clandestine Al Qaeda communications network greatly reducing the enemy’s ability to operate in Afghanistan. By his zealous initiative, courageous actions, and exceptional dedication to duty, Petty Officer Marcum reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Petty Officer Marcum is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Chief Intelligence Specialist John W. Marcum, United States Navy, for heroic achievement in connection with combat operations against the enemy as Advanced Force Operations Team Leader for a Joint Task Force in direct support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM from 12 January to 15 April 2004 and 4 October 2004 to 15 January 2005. Chief Marcum ensured the safety of his team while executing dangerous and strategically significant combat operations in the Global War on Terrorism. He led a forward deployed team in developing and executing sophisticated and complex combined assault operations and his extensive experience led directly to the successful execution of numerous high-risk movements in enemy-dominated territory. By his zealous initiative, courageous actions, and exceptional dedication to duty, Chief Marcum reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Chief Marcum is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal to Intelligence Specialist First Class John W. Marcum, United States Navy, for meritorious achievement in connection with combat operations against the enemy as a member of a Presidential Security Detail for a highly visible foreign head of state from 15 July to 15 October 2002. Petty Officer Marcum was a member of the inner security detail for a joint task force tasked with protecting a foreign head of state targeted by Al Qaeda and Taliban forces. His resolute action and tactical foresight during a four-day, highly visible trip to a volatile and unstable region was paramount to the success of this high-risk operation. Petty Officer Marcum deftly conducted liaison with other military units, United States Embassy personnel and local law enforcement, while simultaneously streamlining in-theater security procedures. As a member of the advance team he expertly identified and addressed security concerns prior to the arrival of the main party. Petty Officer Marcum’s careful attention to detail and meticulous pre-planning ensured the safety of 180 personnel. His tactical expertise and exceptional judgment improved the overall security of the Protective Detail, and his actions were directly responsible for saving the life of the foreign head of state. By his zealous initiative, courageous actions, and exceptional dedication to duty, Petty Officer Marcum reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.