The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel John B. Cantieny (MCSN: 0-60027), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Commanding Officer, First Battalion, Thirteenth Marines, Ninth Marine Amphibious Brigade, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. In the early morning hours of 23 February 1969, the battalion headquarters located west of DaNang in Quang Nam Province, was attacked by an estimated platoon of North Vietnamese Army sappers utilizing rocket-propelled grenades, satchel charges, and automatic weapons. Although stunned when his office was partially destroyed by an enemy explosive device, Lieutenant Colonel Cantieny fearlessly rushed to the point of heaviest contact and commenced to direct the defense of the perimeter. Completely disregarding his own safety, he exposed himself to the fire of the hostile soldiers that had penetrated the defensive wire and quickly organized a system for the rapid evacuation of casualties. Displaying composure under fire which encouraged the defenders, he continued to direct the efforts of his men until the enemy force was driven from the compound. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit, bold leadership and steadfast devotion to duty at great personal risk, Lieutenant Colonel Cantieny inspired all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.