The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Jack Marino, Jr. (MCSN: 991615), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company A, First Amphibian Tractor Battalion, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), in connection with combat operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 18 August 1965, during Operation STARLITE, Staff Sergeant Marino was participating in a mission of resupplying an infantry company when the armored column was subjected to violent mortar and anti-tank fire. Several of the vehicles were disabled immediately, and the Platoon Commander was killed. With exceptional presence of mind in the grave emergency, Staff Sergeant Marino, although wounded, promptly assumed command and wisely moved the two vehicles still operable to provide a protective perimeter of fire for the disabled vehicles and their personnel. Reacting immediately when he alertly spotted Viet Cong guerrillas beginning an assault, he fearlessly jumped through the hatch and directed machine gun fire with a speed and accuracy which repulsed the immediate attack. When the enemy moved behind a disabled tank only twenty-five meters away, and later assaulted the Marines from a treeline to the rear, Staff Sergeant Marino exhibited rare courage, jumping through the hatch again and firing at the Viet Cong with an intensity that halted the enemy attack. His composure and valor throughout the incident inspired those who served with him to react with renewed spirit and repulse the attackers, saving the entire column and Marines involved from death and destruction. By his intrepid fighting spirit, uncommon professionalism aptly applied under extremely hazardous conditions and his unswerving dedication to duty throughout, Staff Sergeant Marino upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.