The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant John Bartusevics (MCSN: 1897519), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Section Leader with the Second Platoon, Company C, First Tank Battalion, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. Early in the morning on 15 January 1967, Sergeant Bartusevics was directed to move his tank section to a position in support of elements of the Third Battalion, First Marines which were under attack by an estimated battalion of North Vietnamese troops augmented by local Viet Cong guerrillas. After arriving at the besieged area, he assessed the situation and quickly located the enemy within the defensive perimeter. Skillfully and aggressively, Sergeant Bartusevics directed the movement of his three tanks against the enemy. Realizing that the proximity of friendly troops eliminated the use of 90-mm. tank fire, he cautioned his tank commanders to attack the enemy forces using only their machine guns. Blinding the enemy with searchlights and directing extremely accurate fire, he aggressively led two of his tanks into the midst of the enemy forces. With complete disregard for his own safety, Sergeant Bartusevics boldly maneuvered his tank through the enemy positions until they fled in panic and confusion. Unhesitatingly, he directed one of his tanks to rescue four Marines, two of whom were wounded outside of the compound area. Continuing his attack, Sergeant Bartusevics led his tanks in pursuit of the fleeing enemy, inflicting heavy casualties and preventing them from reorganizing. Subsequently, he returned to the defensive position where he provided security for the evacuation of the wounded. Throughout, Sergeant Bartusevics’ tank section, under his skillful and resolute leadership, accounted for at least one third of the sixty-one confirmed enemy dead and sixty probably dead. By his exceptional professional skill and daring, he inspired all who observed him and contributed immeasurably to the successful accomplishment of an extremely hazardous mission. Sergeant Bartusevics’ extraordinary courage, bold leadership, and unswerving devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.