The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant John C. Hair, III (MCSN: 2145572), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Guide with Company B, First Battalion, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 10 September 1968, elements of Company B were attacking a North Vietnamese Army company occupying well-fortified bunkers in the Mutter’s Ridge area of Quang Tri Province. Rapidly assessing the situation, Sergeant Hair unhesitatingly moved forward to the lead element and repeatedly exposed himself to intense enemy small arms fire as he threw hand grenades at the hostile bunkers. Continuing his determined efforts, he drew the enemy’s fire to his own position enabling his Marines to maneuver to the hostile unit’s flank and destroy the emplacements. The following day his platoon discovered another group of well concealed enemy bunkers. Maneuvering across the hazardous terrain into a position from which he could fire on the fortified structures, Sergeant Hair accurately marked the enemy positions with small arms fire, thereby allowing his comrades to engage and destroy the North Vietnamese Army positions. His heroic actions and resolute determination inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in his unit accounting for fifteen enemy bunkers destroyed, sixteen North Vietnamese soldiers killed and numerous weapons captured. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty at great personal risk, Sergeant Hair upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.