The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant John Patrick O’Connell (MCSN: 0-106980), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company E, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 12 August 1969, the Third Platoon was occupying a patrol base in Quang Tri Province when the Marines were subjected to a vicious ground attack by a large North Vietnamese Army sapper force and, during the initial moments of the assault, sustained several casualties. Reacting instantly, Second Lieutenant O’Connell quickly reorganized his defensive perimeter and adjusted supporting arms fire to ensure that all avenues of approach were adequately covered with fire. With complete disregard for his own safety, he fearlessly moved from one defensive position to another, distributing ammunition, directing the accurate suppressive fire of his men, and shouting encouragement to them while simultaneously delivering grenade launcher fire against the advancing enemy unit. Observing that the mortar ammunition storage area had become a vulnerable target for hostile fire, he boldly maintained a dangerously exposed position to supervise the immediate distribution of the rounds to the mortar crew. With the arrival of a medical evacuation helicopter, he stood in the landing zone to direct its approach and when the aircraft came under intense automatic weapons fire as it landed, he rushed toward the transport, directing it away from the hazardous area. After skillfully adjusting mortar fire on the North Vietnamese Army soldiers, he again directed the helicopter to a safe landing and valiantly assisted in embarking the casualties. Throughout that night and the following morning, Second Lieutenant O’Connell maintained a continuous patrol of his defensive perimeter and through his military acumen and knowledgeable coordination of supporting arms fire with the activities of his men, was instrumental in repelling the determined attackers. His timely and heroic actions inspired all who observed him and prevented excessive Marine casualties. By his courage, aggressive leadership, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Second Lieutenant O’Connell upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.