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 (Field Artillery) John P. Coons (ASN: 0-5419091), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with Headquarters and Service Battery, 6th Howitzer Battalion, 15th Artillery Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action on 7 April 1968 in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, Captain Coons was serving as an artillery forward observer with an infantry battalion during a reconnaissance in force operation near the Song Be River. At approximately 0930 hours, the lead element of the friendly force made contact with an unknown size Viet Cong force. Reacting instantly, Captain Coons rushed forward and began directing a heavy barrage of artillery fire onto the Viet Cong positions that the lead elements had encountered. Suddenly the enemy opened fire from a well concealed base camp, subjecting Captain Coons to a devastating crossfire. Ignoring he heavy enemy fire, Captain Coons closed within 25 meters of the hostile positions. There he directed heavy artillery fire directly onto the fortified enemy positions. Moving about the area completely exposed to the insurgents’ fire, Captain Coons had the friendly elements mark the hostile positions with smoke. Once this was accomplished, Captain Coons skillfully adjusted the artillery fire within 50 meters of his position. At this time the friendly elements began receiving heavy and accurate sniper fire from their left flank. Captain Coons again braved the insurgents’ fire and maneuvered 200 meters to the new point of contact. From this position he directed devastating fire onto the snipers, neutralizing their positions. Captain Coons continued to call in artillery on both points of contact until the Viet Cong were routed. His dauntless courage and exemplary skill while under heavy enemy fire contributed significantly to the successful outcome of the encounter. Captain Coons’ unquestionable valor in close combat against a numerically superior hostile force is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.