The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lance Corporal John “D” Sims (MCSN: 2353778), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Squad Leader with Company D, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 29 August 1968, Lance Corporal Sims’ platoon was conducting a search and destroy operation near the village of Phu Bac (2) in Quang Nam Province when the unit came under intense automatic weapons and anti-tank rocket fire, wounding all four members of the point fire team. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, Lance Corporal Sims unhesitatingly rushed across the fire-swept terrain to assist his injured comrades. After carrying one of the casualties to a relatively safe position, he returned to the hazardous area, and while evacuating a second man, he sustained a painful leg wound. Completely disregarding his own injury, he fearlessly continued his rescue efforts until he had carried all four of the wounded men to a position where they could receive medical attention. As a result of his heroic and selfless actions, four Marines were saved from further injury or possible death. By his courage, bold initiative and unwavering devotion to duty, Lance Corporal Sims inspired all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.