The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant John Clifton Holmgreen, Jr. (MCSN: 0-94422), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company K, Third Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 17 March 1967, Second Lieutenant Holmgreen’s platoon was part of a relief force moving toward the village of Gia Do in Quang Tri Province, in support of a Marine unit which was under attack by a numerically superior enemy force. As his platoon neared the objective area, it came under intense enemy small arms, automatic weapons, and mortar fire which inflicted numerous Marine casualties. Observing that one of his wounded men was exposed to hostile fire, he disregarded his own safety and moved to the aid of the Marine. Inn the course of his heroic act, he was wounded in the right temple. Recovering from momentary unconsciousness and refusing evacuation, he continued moving among his men, boldly exposing himself to the enemy fire while directing his men and removing the wounded to more secure areas. Continuing the assault, he charged a machine gun position and destroyed it with a hand grenade. He then successfully led his men in neutralizing other enemy fortifications before reinforcing the beleaguered Marine unit. Demonstrating outstanding professionalism and sincere concern for the welfare of his men, he allowed treatment of his wound only after the other wounded had received medical aid. By his inspiring leadership, courageous actions under fire and selfless devotion to duty, Second Lieutenant Holmgreen upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.