The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant John J. Clancy, III (MCSN: 0-85172), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Commanding Officer of Company A, First Battalion, Fourth Marines, in connection with military operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On the afternoon of 20 March 1966, during Operation OREGON, First Lieutenant Clancy’s Company was advancing as the right flank element in a Battalion search and destroy operation when an adjacent company came under extremely heavy mortar and automatic weapons fire from well emplaced enemy positions. Displaying exceptionally keen judgment and professional skill, First Lieutenant Clancy immediately deployed his Company and commenced an aggressive advance under fire to envelop the enemy positions. Skillfully maneuvering his unit to close with the enemy, First Lieutenant Clancy boldly exposed himself to sweeping enemy fire to direct proper employment of his men and weapons. At one point in the savage action, an enemy .50 caliber round pierced First Lieutenant Clancy’s helmet; another killed his radio operator instantly. Despite the rain of fire, the Company continued to advance, bolstered by his personal example of courage and determination. By his extraordinary valor in the face of extreme danger, coupled with daring initiative and unwavering dedication to duty, First Lieutenant Clancy upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.