The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant John R. Kopka (MCSN: 0-90184), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Commanding Officer, Company G, Second Battalion, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Ap Ba area of the Republic of Vietnam during Operation KERN. On 22 October 1966, while assaulting a heavily defended enemy position, First Platoon was caught in a devastating crossfire of small arms and automatic weapons fire which inflicted many casualties and rendered the platoon immobile. As he directed the Third Platoon to the aid of the besieged platoon, it also received heavy enemy fire and suffered numerous casualties. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, now complicated by the loss of his Executive Officer, both Platoon Commanders and Platoon Sergeants, and six Squad Leaders, First Lieutenant Kopka aggressively and fearlessly led his unit through a heavy volume of small arms fire to a position from which he could evaluate the situation and better control the action of his Company. He made timely and excellent use of supporting artillery, directing the fire to within 100 meters of his position. Through his immediate and professional action, the Company regained fire superiority which permitted the safe evacuation of the wounded Marines. The evacuation, personally led by First Lieutenant Kopka, was successfully accomplished across heavily inundated rice paddies and a rain-swollen river, despite heavy enemy fire. His assaulting element during this time, accounted for 18 Viet Cong killed. By his dynamic and effective leadership, outstanding professional competence, and loyal devotion to duty, First Lieutenant Kopka upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.