The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) John B. Chavarria (ASN: 0-5418707), United States Army, for gallantry in action. Captain Chavarria distinguished himself by gallantry in action on 6 September 1968 while serving as Senior Advisor, 2d Battalion, 8th Regiment, 5th Infantry Division, Army of the Republic of Vietnam. On that date, Captain Chavarria was accompanying the battalion while returning to the base camp from a reconnaissance in force near Thoi Hoa. As the command group passed, a Viet Cong force in well concealed bunkers opened fire. The enemy then began to move to the flank and out of the battle area. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, Captain Chavarria encouraged the group to lay down a heavy volume of fire and to assault the enemy positions. The Battalion Commander ordered the lead company to maneuver to the flank to prevent the enemy’s escape. It was readily apparent to Captain Chavarria that the company would not be ale to move quickly enough through the difficult terrain to achieve this mission. Unhesitatingly and without regard for his personal safety, he led two of the enlisted personnel from the command group to an exposed position to successfully cut off the escape route. During this move, Captain Chavarria was repeatedly exposed to a heavy volume of hostile fire. His small flanking group inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy. His quick reaction and tenacity in the dangerous combat situation and his aggressiveness resulted in a seemingly untenable friendly position being turned into a decisive defeat for the enemy. Captain Chavarria’s conspicuous gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.