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 Major (Infantry) John Dalton Howard, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action on 7 and 8 June 1972 while serving as Senior Advisor, 6th Airborne Battalion, Airborne Division, Army of the Republic of Vietnam. On these two days, Major Howard repeatedly exposed himself to intense enemy small arms, mortar and artillery fire as he successfully coordinated the relief by his unit of the besieged garrison at An Loc. On 7 June Major Howard moved to the front of his heavily-engaged battalion, and calmly adjusted repeated close airstrikes onto the determined enemy defenders. Major Howard’s actions, despite the enemy fire poured onto his exposed vantage point, remained calm and professional, enabling the battalion to carry the enemy position, kill over fifty enemy soldiers and then successfully extract their wounded comrades despite continued enemy resistance. Throughout that night, Major Howard remained in an exposed observation post as he continued to pound the enemy defenses. On the morning of 8 June, Major Howard moved with the assault element, adjusted napalm airstrikes onto the fanatical enemy and conducted continuous coordination with all friendly units in the battle area. Despite the successful accomplishment of his primary mission, Major Howard elected to remained with this forward element, still under accurate indirect fire, and coordinate for the evacuation of friendly casualties. His personal bravery and determination resulted in the successful relief of An Loc on this date. Major Howard’s conspicuous gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.