The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major John D. Harrill, III, United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as Operations Officer, Second Battalion, Fourth Marine Regiment, FIRST Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Central command, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM from February to September 2004. Major Harrill’s leadership and heroism while under fire contributed materially to the battalions success in preventing the fall of Ar Ramadi, Iraq. Throughout enemy attacks and offensive operations, he calmly led the battalion command element and coordinated maneuver of the battalion’s combat units, while personally neutralizing enemy automatic weapon and rocket-propelled grenade fire, resulting in the enemy’s defeat. During a major insurgent attack against coalition forces, Major Harrill led the forward command element into the aim point of the enemy attack. Despite constant enemy fire, he focused the combat power of six companies as they battled in eight separate locations over a seven-hour period. Major Harrill’s superior tactical acumen enabled the complete destruction of assaulting enemy forces. By his bold leadership, courageous actions, and loyal devotion to duty, Major Harrill reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.