The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain John E. Knight, Jr. (MCSN: 0-88479), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as the Commanding Officer of Company H, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. Early on the morning of 25 February 1969, Company H was occupying a defensive position at Fire Support Base NEVILLE in Quang Tri Province when the base was assaulted by a large North Vietnamese Army force utilizing mortars, automatic weapons, and various explosive devices. In the initial moments of the attack, sappers penetrated a sector of the perimeter and communications were lost with a friendly platoon. After informing the Second Battalion’s Commanding Officer of the situation, Captain Knight skillfully adjusted supporting fires around his defensive perimeter to prevent the North Vietnamese from withdrawal or reinforcement. Ignoring the hostile rounds impacting near him, he fearlessly maneuvered across the fire-swept terrain to an advantageous position to observe the enemy activity and boldly shouting words of encouragement to his men, directed the re-establishment of the base’s defenses to block the breach in the perimeter. When one Marine was engulfed in burning diesel fuel, Captain Knight quickly rushed to the side of the man and smothered the flames with a poncho. Repeatedly exposing himself to the intense hostile fire, he effectively directed the successful repulsing of the North Vietnamese attack. When the enemy had retreated, he reorganized his defenses and supervised the evacuation of the casualties. Continuing his determined efforts for a period of nine days, he tirelessly directed his men in defending against frequent hostile mortar attacks and ground probes. By his courage, aggressive leadership and steadfast devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Captain Knight was instrumental in his company’s accounting for forty-one North Vietnamese soldiers killed and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.