The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain John J. Hainsworth (MCSN: 0-79253/1391208), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action in the Republic of Vietnam from 1 February 1968 to 2 February 1968. As Assistant Senior Marine Advisor to the Fourth Vietnamese Marine Corps Battalion during Operation TRAN HUNG DAO, Captain Hainsworth provided advice and assistance when the battalion encountered a combined force of North Vietnamese Army and Viet Cong troops in well-prepared positions in the Armor Compound at Saigon. Lead elements of the Fourth Battalion, advised by Captain Hainsworth, spearheaded the attack. A fierce battle quickly ensued, during which enemy machine guns and rocket fire raked the forward area with intense fire. Captain Hainsworth expertly directed the Vietnamese Marines and armored vehicles as they closely engaged the enemy; and his courageous actions were instrumental in dislodging the enemy, who were forced to fall back, leaving dead, wounded, and many weapons behind. The Fourth Battalion assumed defensive positions during the night of 1 February 1968, and the enemy launched a fierce counterattack which bombarded the Vietnamese Marines with mortars, rockets, and automatic weapons fire. Captain Hainsworth, along with several Marines of the Fourth Battalion, was wounded. Despite the heavy enemy fire to which he was exposed, Captain Hainsworth moved the wounded Marines to a safe area where he applied first aid. He then assisted in directing and adjusting air strikes upon the enemy. Just prior to dawn, Captain Hainsworth observed that the friendly right flank had been penetrated and the enemy was massing for an assault. His quick reaction to this perilous situation enabled the Vietnamese Marines to maneuver and repel the enemy assault upon their right flank. Captain Hainsworth then moved to a forward position and directed air strikes against enemy positions which destroyed a Viet Cong fortification. After neutralizing the enemy’s forward lines, he moved with lead elements of the Fourth Battalion in an assault on enemy positions which completely routed the Viet Cong force. Captain Hainsworth’s intrepidity, initiative and outstanding professionalism were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.