The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Gunnery Sergeant John Carlos Hatfield (MCSN: 665452), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Company Gunnery Sergeant of Company K, Third Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. While conducting a routine search and destroy operation in the vicinity of Con Thien on 4 July 1967, Company K came under intense small arms and automatic weapons fire from a well entrenched North Vietnamese Army force, pinning down two platoons and the Company Command Group. Reacting instantly, Gunnery Sergeant Hatfield fearlessly maneuvered across the fire-swept terrain to the 60-mm. mortar section and deployed the Marines in a covered position. Moving to a hazardously exposed position, he began issuing fire commands to the mortar section and adjusted accurate suppressive fire on the enemy emplacements. Due to the extreme accuracy of the mortar fire, the effectiveness of the enemy fire was reduced, which enabled the company to maneuver forward and evacuate its casualties. Alertly observing that the mortar section was dangerously low of ammunition, he quickly organized and led a re-supply team through the hostile fire to obtain additional mortar rounds from supporting tanks. Returning to the mortar emplacement through the increasing enemy fire, Gunnery Sergeant Hatfield was painfully wounded in the foot and knocked to the ground. Disregarding his injury, he resolutely continued to the mortar position, resumed his dangerous observation post and skillfully adjusted accurate mortar fire on the enemy. After the mortar section had expended all available ammunition, he organized the Marines into casualty evacuation teams and supervised and assisted in moving wounded personnel to positions of relative safety. Steadfastly refusing medical evacuation, he submitted to medical aid only after all other casualties had been treated and evacuated. His heroic and timely actions in the face of extreme personal danger undoubtedly saved the lives of several Marines and contributed immeasurably to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his courage, superb leadership and selfless devotion to duty, Gunnery Sergeant Hatfield was an inspiration to all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.