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 Specialist Fourth Class John A. Martino (ASN: RA-11623762), United States Army, for gallantry in action. Specialist Fourth Class Martino distinguished himself by heroic actions on 13 September 1968, while serving with Company B, 3d Battalion, 22d Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in the Republic of Vietnam. When his unit came under an intense enemy attack, one position sustained several RPG hits, and suffered many casualties. Specialist Martino, with complete disregard for his own safety, ran to the besieged position, treated and evacuated the wounded to safety, and then assumed the duties as assistant gunner on the .50 caliber machine gun. When enemy fire rendered the weapon inoperable, Specialist Martino fearlessly exposed himself to intense enemy shelling while he repaired the weapon, and then began pouring devastating fire on an enemy force located to his front. His accurate fire destroyed the element and accounted for many other enemy casualties. His valorous actions contributed immeasurably to the success of the mission and the defeat of the enemy force. Specialist Martino’s personal bravery, aggressiveness, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 25th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.