The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant John B. Strange (MCSN: 0-104793), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company G, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 11 March 1969, during Operation PURPLE MARTIN, First Lieutenant Strange mustered a reaction force to assist another element of the company which had become heavily engaged with a large North Vietnamese Army force employing mortars, automatic weapons and rocket propelled grenades near Fire Support Base NEVILLE. Proceeding to the location of contact, he capably organized a forward defense and immediately commenced evacuating the casualties. Observing a seriously wounded Marine lying in an unprotected area forward of the friendly lines, he unhesitatingly raced across the fire-swept terrain to the man’s side and seemingly oblivious to the hostile rounds directed at him, carried his companion back to a covered location. Obtaining a radio, he then skillfully coordinated and controlled the activities of adjacent Marine elements against the enemy. Noting that the beleaguered platoon had sustained the loss of its leadership personnel, he fearlessly exposed himself to the intense enemy fire and, shouting words of encouragement to the men, restored their confidence and capability as an aggressive fighting unit. The following morning, he initiated a spirited assault against the well-entrenched enemy soldiers but, meeting the fanatical resistance and unwilling to risk excessive Marine casualties, withdrew to his original position. Devising an alternate plan of attack, he again commenced an assault upon the hostile North Vietnamese units and personally eliminated an automatic weapons position as he exhorted his men to greater efforts, leading them as they overran the objective. His heroic and bold actions inspired all who observed him and contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his courage, dynamic leadership and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, First Lieutenant Strange upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.