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 E. Eshelman, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations in Vietnam on 19 and 20 October 1963. While participating in a military operation as an Advisor to a Vietnamese battalion, Captain Eshelman accompanied the first airlift of a large force into a heliborne landing zone. After an advance of 200 meters, the unit came under intense automatic weapons, mortar, and small arms fire from hostile forces entrenched in prepared and concealed positions. In the hail of gunfire which followed the initial onslaught that wounded and killed many of the friendly forces, he unhesitatingly and bravely moved over the open terrain from position to position to encourage the Vietnamese commander and the troops to pursue their efforts. Despite personal wounds in the hand and chest, Captain Eshelman continued to provide assistance and professional advice throughout the entire morning, inspiring the greatly depleted force to follow his example and to take their objective. When another American advisor with reinforcements appeared on the scene, he refused evacuation, remained with the unit under continuous gunfire throughout the day and night, and continued his valiant efforts until the hostile action diminished on the following morning before he accepted evacuation for treatment of his wounds. Captain Eshelman’s conspicuous gallantry and unselfish actions are in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.