The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain John M. Wagner (MCSN: 0-92013), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Bombardier/Navigator of an A-6A Intruder with Marine All Weather Attack Squadron TWO HUNDRED FORTY-TWO (VMA(AW)-242), during a high priority strike deep into enemy territory against a major airfield on 25 October 1967. Captain Wagner, volunteering to participate in the coordinated attack, completed the complex and precise planning. Informed that the coordinated attack had been aborted and that a singular aircraft would make the attack, he quickly completed a new navigation and attack plan. En route navigation went according to plan and as the crucial letdown point was reached the aircraft was picked up on enemy radar. Within seconds, anti-aircraft fire was received and Captain Wagner directed the pilot to fly closer to the mountain ridge and to descend below the treacherous peaks to mask the aircraft from the deadly enemy fire. Observing an enemy missile, he directed the pilot to steer the aircraft into the oncoming missile and at the precise moment break toward, yet avoid, the treacherous terrain. Avoiding the missile, he pressed on toward the target in the midst of intense enemy anti-aircraft fire which completely engulfed the plane. Eluding a second missile, he updated the computer and prepared for the attack delivery. As the enemy launched a third and fourth missile, which exploded below the aircraft, tossing it about violently, he remained undaunted in his attack on the target and delivered four and one-half tons of ordnance on target. As a fifth missile was launched, he successfully avoided it as the missile exploded behind the aircraft. By his bold initiative, resolute determination and loyal devotion to duty, Captain Wagner was instrumental in the destruction of an enemy airfield thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.