The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major Jon A. Rindfleisch (MCSN: 0-77790), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in armed conflict against the communist insurgent forces in the Republic of Vietnam. Major Rindfleisch served as Senior Marine Advisor, Second Battalion, Vietnamese Marine Corps and participated in Operation SONG THAN 809-67. On 31 December 1967, two companies of the Second Battalion landed by helicopter assault against a known enemy complex. Immediately after landing, the Marines received fire from a well concealed, numerically superior Viet Cong force of battalion size entrenched in bunkers. Major Rindfleisch, with complete disregard for his own personal safety, moved to an exposed position to obtain maximum observation and directed effectively United States attack aircraft and helicopter gunships against the enemy forces, significantly reducing their positions. The fierce day-long engagement had nearly exhausted the Marines’ stock of ammunition. All attempts to re-supply ammunition by helicopter were aborted due to intense small arms and automatic weapons fire. A final desperate attempt to re-supply ammunition prior to darkness came under intense enemy fire which resulted in the ammunition being dropped in an open fire-swept area between friendly forces and the enemy positions. As darkness fell, Major Rindfleisch and a squad of volunteers heroically exposed themselves to enemy small arms and automatic weapons fire while locating ammunition. Major Rindfleisch then directed its recovery and return to friendly lines. His courageous actions, indomitable spirit and untiring efforts were the primary factors in rallying his unit and effectively consolidating the divided units of the Second Battalion. Major Rindfleisch’s heroic actions were instrumental in the success of the Second Battalion which inflicted heavy casualties against the Viet Cong. His professionalism, courageous actions, and exemplary performance of duty in the face of grave danger were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.