John J. Balanco’s Silver Star citation

THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA TAKES PRIDE IN PRESENTING THE

SILVER STAR MEDAL MEDAL

TO

SERGEANT JOHN JAMES BALANCO
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

For service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to John James Balanco (2113184), Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Senior Advisor/Marine Squad Leader of Combined Action Platoon 0-1, Third Combined Action Group, THIRD Marine Amphibious Force, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 21 January 1968 two combined action platoons and the Huong Hoa Division Headquarters in Quang Tri Province were suddenly assaulted by a numerically superior North Vietnamese Army force employing mortars, rockets and artillery. Disregarding his own safety, Sergeant Balanco fearlessly maneuvered about the fire-swept terrain from one position to another directing the fire of his men. Repeatedly exposing himself to the hostile fire, he rapidly redistributed ammunition and ensured that each sector of the perimeter was effectively coordinated into the defense of the position. Continuing his determined efforts for thirty-six hours, he aggressively directed his men to withdraw. His heroic actions and bold leadership inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in his unit accounting for over forty enemy killed and numerous weapons captured. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Sergeant Balanco upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.

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