The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant Major John M. Malnar (MCSN: 528234), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Sergeant Major of the Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, Ninth Marine Amphibious Brigade, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 30 April 1968, Sergeant Major Malnar’s unit made contact with a well-entrenched, numerically superior North Vietnamese Army force northeast of the Dong Ha Combat Base near Dai Do and became engaged in a fierce three-day battle. Positioned with the forward command group, Sergeant Major Malnar repeatedly disregarded his own safety to monitor the situation and assist the battalion commander. Throughout the engagement, he directed accurate return fire against the enemy and supervised the evacuation of the wounded. On several occasions, Sergeant Major Malnar assumed command when small unit leaders became casualties. On the afternoon of 2 May, when the command group and other forward elements were counterattacked by an estimated battalion of North Vietnamese soldiers, he fearlessly engaged the enemy in extremely close-range fighting, continuously exposing himself to hostile fire to encourage his companions and direct their actions. While moving to assist the wounded battalion commander and other casualties to a covered position, Sergeant Major Malnar was mortally wounded. His heroic actions inspired all who observed him and contributed immeasurably to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his exceptional courage, superb leadership, and selfless devotion to duty, Sergeant Major Malnar upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.