Richard H. John enlisted in the Marine Corps on 29 Jun 1965 as a member of Platoon 145 - the Arizona Platoon.
On 21 March 1966, Private First Class John was serving with Company A, Third Motor Transport Battalion, Third Marine Division as a Gunner on one of two amphibious cargo carriers returning from a re-supply mission accompanied by a security fire team. While traveling along a narrow beach, the Marines were caught in a Viet Cong ambush and the vehicle to which Private First Class John was assigned exploded and burst into flames almost immediately. Although severely wounded himself, Private First Class John courageously climbed over the top of the blazing carrier and pulled the unconscious driver from the mangled cab. After carrying him to a sheltered position, he ripped off the man's burning clothes, then picked up his weapon and joined others in fighting off the enemy attack. As a result of the Marines' retaliatory action, at least seven, and possibly eleven Viet Cong were killed. For his unselfish concern for the welfare of his comrade at extreme risk of his own life and by his unfaltering dedication to duty, Private First Class John was awarded the Silver Star.
On 21 March 1966, Private First Class John was serving with Company A, Third Motor Transport Battalion, Third Marine Division as a Gunner on one of two amphibious cargo carriers returning from a re-supply mission accompanied by a security fire team. While traveling along a narrow beach, the Marines were caught in a Viet Cong ambush and the vehicle to which Private First Class John was assigned exploded and burst into flames almost immediately. Although severely wounded himself, Private First Class John courageously climbed over the top of the blazing carrier and pulled the unconscious driver from the mangled cab. After carrying him to a sheltered position, he ripped off the man's burning clothes, then picked up his weapon and joined others in fighting off the enemy attack. As a result of the Marines' retaliatory action, at least seven, and possibly eleven Viet Cong were killed. For his unselfish concern for the welfare of his comrade at extreme risk of his own life and by his unfaltering dedication to duty, Private First Class John was awarded the Silver Star.
Richard H. John enlisted in the Marine Corps on 29 Jun 1965 as a member of Platoon 145 - the Arizona Platoon.
On 21 March 1966, Private First Class John was serving with Company A, Third Motor Transport Battalion, Third Marine Division as a Gunner on one of two amphibious cargo carriers returning from a re-supply mission accompanied by a security fire team. While traveling along a narrow beach, the Marines were caught in a Viet Cong ambush and the vehicle to which Private First Class John was assigned exploded and burst into flames almost immediately. Although severely wounded himself, Private First Class John courageously climbed over the top of the blazing carrier and pulled the unconscious driver from the mangled cab. After carrying him to a sheltered position, he ripped off the man's burning clothes, then picked up his weapon and joined others in fighting off the enemy attack. As a result of the Marines' retaliatory action, at least seven, and possibly eleven Viet Cong were killed. For his unselfish concern for the welfare of his comrade at extreme risk of his own life and by his unfaltering dedication to duty, Private First Class John was awarded the Silver Star.
On 21 March 1966, Private First Class John was serving with Company A, Third Motor Transport Battalion, Third Marine Division as a Gunner on one of two amphibious cargo carriers returning from a re-supply mission accompanied by a security fire team. While traveling along a narrow beach, the Marines were caught in a Viet Cong ambush and the vehicle to which Private First Class John was assigned exploded and burst into flames almost immediately. Although severely wounded himself, Private First Class John courageously climbed over the top of the blazing carrier and pulled the unconscious driver from the mangled cab. After carrying him to a sheltered position, he ripped off the man's burning clothes, then picked up his weapon and joined others in fighting off the enemy attack. As a result of the Marines' retaliatory action, at least seven, and possibly eleven Viet Cong were killed. For his unselfish concern for the welfare of his comrade at extreme risk of his own life and by his unfaltering dedication to duty, Private First Class John was awarded the Silver Star.
