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 Private First Class John R. Black (ASN: US-54437091), United States Army, for gallantry in action involving close combat against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Private First Class Black distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 28 March 1968, while serving as a Medical Aidman with Troop G, 2d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, on a road securing mission in War Zone C, Tay Ninh Province, Vietnam. When an unknown sized Viet Cong force attacked the convoy, a soldier received a head wound from an explosion of a rocket round, resulting in severe loss of blood and a condition of semi-delirium. The wounded man dismounted his vehicle and began running aimlessly toward the incoming fire. Completely disregarding his personal safety, Private First Class Black ran through the hail of fire, tackled the man and pulled him to the ground. Although pinned down by the intensity of the hostile fire, Private First Class Black shielded the casualty with his own body while administering first aid. Private First Class Black’s extraordinary heroism in close combat against a Viet Cong force was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.