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 a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain (Armor) John Ryan Landry (ASN: 0-96028), United States Army, for gallantry in action against an armed hostile force on 11 March 1967, while serving as Commanding Officer of Troop B, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, Captain Landry’s troop was conducting a search and destroy operation in Bien Hoa Province when his armored column encountered the perimeter of a large Viet Cong base camp. Receiving intense recoilless rifle and automatic weapons fire, the lead vehicle was disabled almost immediately. Advancing to the front of the column, Captain Landry courageously position his armored cavalry assault vehicle in a blocking position and began to control the evacuation of the wounded and the removal of the disabled vehicle. On three separate occasions Captain Landry personally led aggressive assaults against the fortified enemy positions. After first two assaults, Captain Landry was forced to withdraw his armored elements in order to permit airstrikes against the fanatical Viet Cong defenders. During each withdrawal, Captain Landry provided security for his vehicles while repeatedly exposing himself to snipers firing from trees, trenches, and spider holes. During the second move, another assault vehicle was hit wounding the driver and machine gunner. Without hesitating, Captain Landry swung his track broadside to the intense fire, protecting the damaged vehicle and its crew. He remained in this position until the vehicle had been removed from the battle area. At this time the enemy fire increased in volume and intensity. Courageously leading the final assault, Captain Landry was at the forefront, routing the enemy and causing them to flee toward the Cambodian border. Captain Landry urged his unit on and conducted a mounted sweep to cordon the area and pursue the enemy. He called for gunships and then coordinated their fires as they made their attacks. Captain Landry’s extraordinary heroism, aggressive leadership and timely actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.