The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Colonel John L. Keefe, United States Army, for heroism in connection with military operations against a hostile force. Lieutenant Colonel Keefe distinguished himself by heroic action on 9 October 1972, while serving as Senior Military Advisor to Chau Doc Sector, Military Region IV, Republic of Vietnam. On this date, Colonel Keefe, accompanying Territorial Forces ordered to clear elements of an enemy battalion from a hamlet in Tri Ton District, recognized that the unit would not advance against the enemy position unless exemplary leadership were displayed, and therefore moved to the point position, encouraging the allied soldiers and officers to seize the initiative and press the enemy. Although in full sight of snipers as he advanced, he boldly surged forward into the enemy perimeter so as to sustain the momentum of the attack by those following him. Under intense enemy fire, he held his ground even as friendly forces fell back, and while returning fire he evaluated the enemy entrenchments, risking death in order to determine the strength and deployment of the enemy. Colonel Keefe then brought out to the troop and operations’ commanders the information essential to decisions which led to the successful completion of the operation by fire and maneuver, without excessive damage to the civilian community. Lieutenant Colonel Keefe’s heroic action was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.