The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class John Wayne Rowden (MCSN: 2352892), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Rifleman with Company G, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on 9 February 1968. During Operation HUE CITY, Private Rowden’s company was maneuvering along a street near the edge of the city when it was taken under intense enemy semi-automatic and automatic weapons fire which inflicted several casualties and temporarily pinned down the lead squad. With complete disregard for his own safety, Private Rowden moved forward to assist his beleaguered companions. As he was moving across a street, he was wounded by automatic weapons fire in both legs. Realizing that he could not move and that any attempt to help him would result in further casualties, he elected to hold his position and give covering fire for two other Marines who were wounded and in an open area. Undaunted by the intense enemy fire around him, he calmly held his position, inflicting numerous casualties upon the enemy, until he was mortally wounded. By his bold initiative, gallant fighting spirit and loyal devotion to duty, Private Rowden was instrumental in saving several comrades from further injury or possible death, thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.