The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal John W. Petersen, III (MCSN: 2295074), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Squad Leader with Company G, Second Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on 4 March 1968. While conducting a combat patrol near Con Thien, Corporal Petersen’s unit was taken under intense small arms and automatic weapons fire by a numerically superior North Vietnamese Army force and was temporarily pinned down. During the initial burst of enemy fire, numerous Marines were wounded. Observing a wounded comrade lying in an open area dangerously exposed to hostile fire, Corporal Petersen, with complete disregard for his own safety, left his relatively safe position and ran across the fire-swept terrain to the side of the injured man. Disregarding the hostile fire impacting around him, he administered first aid to the casualty and remained at his side until the victim succumbed to his wounds. Electing to attack the enemy, Corporal Petersen made a one-man assault against the enemy position, inflicting numerous casualties on the enemy force before returning to friendly lines. By his bold initiative, gallant fighting spirit and loyal devotion to duty, Corporal Petersen inspired those who observed him and was instrumental in defeating a numerically superior enemy force, thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.