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The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Daniel Kiernan McMahon, Jr. (MCSN: 0-87835), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Company Commander of Company D, First Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam from 16 to 19 September 1966. During Operation PRAIRIE, First Lieutenant McMahon was leading his company in search and destroy operations in the north Quang Tri Province area. On the morning of 16 September, the Company engaged the enemy and was surrounded by a numerically superior North Vietnamese Army force, which came within hand grenade range. Unhesitatingly, First Lieutenant McMahon deployed his Company, established a defensive perimeter and directed his men to clear a landing zone for the evacuation of casualties. Throughout the vicious fire fight, he moved among his men to direct their fire and evaluate the rapidly changing situation. With complete disregard for his own safety, he repeatedly exposed himself to heavy enemy small arms and automatic weapons fire, mortars and hand grenades. Shortly after the initial enemy assault, he was wounded by grenade fragments. He refused evacuation and steadfastly remained in command of his Company during the entire three-day battle. With fearless determination, tenacity and uncommon physical stamina, First Lieutenant McMahon remained alert to rally and encourage his men, and provide care and comfort for the wounded. Utilizing all available air and ground support, he daringly called in artillery and fixed wing bombing strikes to within twenty meters of his own position. His aggressive fighting spirit, selfless courage and inspiring leadership were instrumental in holding his Company’s position. When reinforcements arrived, he personally briefed the Company Commander and directed supporting fires, which enabled him to lead the reinforcing Company to his unit’s positions. Once in position, he took command of the combined companies and succeeded in repulsing the enemy. By his great professional skill, gallant actions and unwavering dedication to duty in the face of enemy fire, First Lieutenant McMahon upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    4th Marines

    Division:

    3d Marine Division (Rein.), FMF

    Action Date:

    March 20, 1966

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Daniel Kiernan McMahon, Jr. (MCSN: 0-87835), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company B, First Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in connection with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On the afternoon of 20 March 1966, during Operation OREGON, First Lieutenant McMahon’s platoon was moving with the Company along a road north of Phu Bai, with one squad about fifty yards to the front as a point. While the point squad was advancing across an open rice paddy toward a tree line, intense fire from enemy automatic weapons and 60-mm. mortars was received. Reacting instantly, First Lieutenant McMahon maneuvered his men to relieve pressure on the point and at the same time moved forward under heavy fire to take charge. Disregarding his own safety as men were wounded and fell around him, he moved among them lending assistance and directing others to return fire. When ordered to withdraw while an air strike was delivered against the hostile positions, First Lieutenant McMahon continued to control his platoon firmly, guiding them to a more secure position. Finding that one of the fire teams remained in the hazardous rice paddies, he unhesitatingly raced to the area to lead the men to safety. After learning that the body of one of the casualties had been left in the former position, First Lieutenant McMahon again returned and braved the murderous enemy fire to recover him, but, despite his valiant efforts, was driven back by the savage Viet Cong action. Later, under cover of darkness, he led a patrol forward through the dense mist and brought back the fallen Marine, along with his weapon and equipment. His resolute effort throughout was a source of inspiration and motivation for all the men of his unit, and contributed in large measure to the overall success of Operation OREGON. By his exceptional valor in the face of extreme danger, daring initiative and unswerving dedication to duty, First Lieutenant McMahon upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.