The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal John T. Morrissey, Jr. (MCSN: 2169854), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Patrol Leader with the Third Force Reconnaissance Company, Third Reconnaissance Battalion, THIRD Marine Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. After insertion by helicopter on the top of Dong Ha Mountain, Corporal Morrissey’s patrol observed and directed artillery fire missions against elements of the North Vietnamese Army for two days. On 12 August 1967, Corporal Morrissey discovered that an enemy platoon was attempting to surround his position in preparation for a night assault. Reacting instantly, he deployed his men in a close formation and commenced firing on the enemy positions. By his aggressive actions, he denied the enemy the element of surprise even though they had succeeded in surrounding his small patrol. During the ensuing three hour battle, Corporal Morrissey maintained a tight defensive perimeter and directed accurate rifle and machine gun fire against the enemy. Throughout, he fearlessly exposed himself to the intense hostile fire to adjust supporting artillery fires. On one occasion, when the radioman’s weapon malfunctioned and he stopped to repair it, Corporal Morrissey operated the radio, maintaining communications with the operations center and simultaneously continuing to direct his men and the supporting artillery fire. His superior knowledge of tactics and expert employment of supporting arms were instrumental in defeating the numerically superior enemy force, inflicting eleven confirmed and four probably enemy soldiers killed without sustaining a single friendly casualty. By his exceptional leadership, resolute courage and selfless devotion to duty under extremely hazardous conditions, Corporal Morrissey upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.