The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private John Bernard Spencer (MCSN: 2076344), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as an Anti-tank Assaultman with Company L, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on 17 October 1966. During Operation PRAIRIE, near the Demilitarized Zone in Cam Lo Province, Private Spencer was positioned in the middle of the platoon column on a search and destroy mission. Suddenly, the lead elements of his unit engaged an approaching North Vietnamese platoon, instantly killing two of the enemy. During the vicious fire fight that followed, his Platoon Commander was wounded and the squad leader rushed to his aid. Realizing the danger of disorganization among the remainder of the platoon, Private Spencer unhesitatingly assumed command. Advancing quickly through the dense undergrowth, he positioned the platoon in a defensive perimeter and directed fire on the enemy until he was wounded by grenade fragments in the right ankle. Completely disregarding his painful wound and exposed to hostile fire, he continued to shout words of encouragement to his men, directing their fire until the medical evacuation helicopter arrived. As a result of his heroic efforts, the enemy suffered seven killed and five wounded, while the platoon sustained no additional casualties and was successfully evacuated. By his daring initiative, courageous leadership and loyal devotion to duty, Private Spencer upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.