The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant John A. Albrecht (MCSN: 0-86107), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Commanding Officer of Company D, First Battalion, Fourth Marines, in connection with military operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. From 21 to 24 March 1966, during Operation TEXAS in Quang Ngai Province, First Lieutenant Albrecht demonstrated exceptional tactical skill and personal valor under fire while directing the movement of his Company. Landing by helicopter in the midst of intense automatic weapons fire, First Lieutenant Albrecht led his men to covered positions and effectively deployed them to counter the hostile attack. Later in the day, as Company D moved out on the left flank of a battalion size attack on the enemy held village of Phuong Dinh, the right flank Company’s advance was halted by intense automatic weapons and small arms fire. Quickly ascertaining the urgency of the situation, First Lieutenant Albrecht maneuvered his men in an attempt to relieve enemy pressure from the adjacent Marine unit. Undaunted by deadly accurate incoming fire, he courageously moved from position to position, encouraging his men and directing their fire. At this point, when the Viet Cong altered its fire to stop the aggressive advance of Company D, numerous Marine casualties were sustained and First Lieutenant Albrecht was ordered to withdraw to more tenable positions. With complete disregard for his own safety, he repeatedly exposed himself to the vicious enemy fire to ensure that the wounded were cared for and that his men were properly deployed. His determined and gallant effort throughout the engagement enabled the right flank Company to deploy to more secure areas, undoubtedly averting heavy casualties from the murderous enemy fire. The effectiveness of First Lieutenant Albrecht’s daring action was evident on the next day when the bodies of twenty-six Viet Cong were discovered as his Company advanced again and swept through the enemy positions. By his extraordinary military proficiency, inspiring leadership and unfaltering dedication to duty, First Lieutenant Albrecht upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.