The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal John Joseph Pontius (MCSN: 2145210), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as an Engineer with First Engineer Battalion, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 16 February 1967, Corporal Pontius left the First Marines’ Command Post to investigate a mine attached to a bridge across the Soing Cau Do River. After arriving at the area, he proceeded by boat to the bridge and carefully examined the mine. An Underwater inspection disclosed that two mines, each consisting of 125 pounds of explosives, had been placed in baskets suspended under water with wire lines attached to floating logs, and that the logs were fastened to a bridge supporting pillar which prevented them from drifting with the tide. Therefore, as the tide receded, the weight of the mine would have pulled on the wire lines and detonated the explosives. Quickly returning to shore with this information and realizing that ordnance disposal personnel could not reach the scene before the tide receded, Corporal Pontius courageously accompanied several comrades to the bridge to assist in removing the mines. Almost immediately, he found that the connecting lines had become taut, indicating that the mines could explode at any moment. Despite the danger, Corporal Pontius calmly continued the clearing operation. Assisted by his companions, he skillfully cut the wire and detonating cord on one mine and defused it after the mine was towed to the river bank. With complete disregard for his own safety, Corporal Pontius unhesitatingly returned to the bridge, cut the wires on the second mine and defused it. His bold courage and determination inspired all who observed him and contributed to the successful accomplishment of an extremely hazardous mission. By his extraordinary skill, daring initiative and selfless devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Corporal Pontius upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.