The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal John Joseph Meilinger (MCSN: 2078241), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Squad Leader in the Third Platoon of Company I, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam on 12 November 1966. While providing security for the village of An Trach (1) near DaNang, Corporal Meilinger’s platoon came under attack from a large force of Viet Cong utilizing satchel charges, grenades, automatic weapons and semi-automatic rifle fire. The enemy had penetrated the perimeter destroying all buildings, emplacements and bunkers in the vicinity. Numerous Marines had been killed and others were wounded, including the Platoon Commander and Platoon Sergeant. Additionally, with the command post destroyed, communications severely damaged and the enemy penetrating the unit’s defenses, the situation was extremely critical. Demonstrating aggressive leadership and superior presence of mind, Corporal Meilinger assessed the situation and quickly began reorganizing the perimeter defenses while he supervised the movement and evacuation of the wounded and dead. Unhesitatingly, with complete disregard for his own safety, he repeatedly moved from position to position, directing the movement of the wounded, encouraging his men, directing their fire on the enemy and constantly improving the defenses. Even though he was seriously wounded while performing these duties, Corporal Meilinger courageously and steadfastly refused to be evacuated in order to continue to supervise the platoon’s defensive fire. Upon the arrival of a relief column, he assisted in the evacuation of the casualties, allowing treatment of his wounds only after all others had been cared for. By his exceptional presence of mind, outstanding courage and loyal devotion to duty under extremely hazardous conditions, Corporal Meilinger reflected great credit upon himself and his actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.