The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant John George Mattie, Jr. (MCSN: 1982986), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company H, Second Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. In the pre-dawn hours of 16 April 1966, Sergeant Mattie’s unit was established in defensive perimeter positions south of DaNang when a battalion size Viet Cong force initiated a vicious attack with mortars, small arms and automatic weapons. During the early minutes of the devastating fire, Sergeant Mattie’s platoon leader was killed and his platoon Sergeant was seriously wounded. With composure and great presence of mind in the dire emergency, Sergeant Mattie assumed command of the unit and completely reorganized the men, efficiently evacuating the casualties and preparing the platoon for a counterattack. Undaunted by the hail of incoming fire, he remained exposed to the enemy, at one point fearlessly stopping to clear a machine gun which had malfunctioned. Under his aggressive guidance, the platoon launched a counterattack which drove back the Viet Cong and prevented a breakthrough. During this rapid action, an enemy grenade exploded nearby, painfully wounding him in the face and fracturing his ankle. Although suffering greatly, he refused evacuation and continued to battle the enemy throughout the two and a half hour action. During the remainder of the night, he moved about constantly, encouraging his platoon members and helping to care for the wounded who had not yet been evacuated. For the next two days, he courageously stayed with his platoon and participated in pursuing the Viet Cong elements. Only when his unit had been properly relieved did he submit to proper treatment for his wounds. His composure and initiative restored needed leadership to the platoon in a tense situation, and was a source of inspiration and motivation to all who observed him. By his extraordinary determination despite his suffering, bold leadership and unswerving dedication to duty throughout, Sergeant Mattie upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.