The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lance Corporal John P. Rackhaus (MCSN: 2471130), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Rifleman with Company A, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. Late on the night of 29 May 1969, Private First Class Rackhaus’ platoon was occupying an ambush site along a trail in Quang Nam Province approximately 500 meters from the company command post. Suddenly, an estimated North Vietnamese Army company utilizing rocket–propelled grenades, small arms, and automatic weapons launched a determined attack from three sides against the outnumbered Marines. When his sector of the platoon’s defensive position was attacked, Private First Class Rackhaus joined in delivering such a heavy volume of return fire that the enemy advance was halted. Observing a wounded Marine fall in front of the enemy, he completely disregarded his own safety as he boldly left his position to assist the injured man. Although wounded in one hand by hostile fire, which rendered it nearly useless, he ignored his painful injury as he resolutely continued to move toward the wounded Marine. As he reached his comrade, he was confronted with four enemy soldiers and, reacting instantly, accurately fired his M-16 rifle and killed all four North Vietnamese. Undaunted by the hostile rounds impacting around him, Private First Class Rackhaus used his one good hand to pull the wounded Marine to a casualty collection point. Alertly observing one of the injured men stop breathing, he immediately applied mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and successfully revived the Marine. During the remainder of the fierce fire fight, Private First Class Rackhaus assisted in treating the casualties until reinforcements and medical evacuation helicopters arrived. His heroic actions inspired all who observed him and contributed significantly to the defeat of the enemy force. By his courage, bold initiative and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Private First Class Rackhaus upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.