John M. Grasmeder

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal to John M. Grasmeder for gallantry in action: Captain Grasmeder distinguished himself on 10 June 1965 while serving as a helicopter pilot at Dong Xoai, Republic of Vietnam. The morning of 10 June, the village of Dong Xoai was under heavy attack by an estimated regiment of Viet Cong. By 1200 hours, on the same day only 11 of the 25 United States Special Forces personnel in the village were still alive. Most of them were seriously wounded and they were critically short of ammunition, and in imminent danger of being overrun. Captain Grasmeder volunteered to fly the lead aircraft of a flight of three helicopters into the area to evacuate the remaining American and Vietnamese personnel. The Viet Cong had all approaches covered by .05 caliber machine guns and were directing intense mortar arid automatic weapons fire into the compound. Demonstrating complete disregard for his own safety and extreme bravery in the face of the enemy, Captain Grasmeder led the flight through the withering fire and landed near the Americans in the besieged compound. He and his crews set up defensive fires and directed the loading of the helicopters. When the survivors were loaded, Captain Grasmeder flew his aircraft out of the compound, through the hostile fire, and to safety. His daring courage and determination saved the lives of the Vietnamese province chief, ten Americans, and several Vietnamese military personnel in the compound. The Vietnamese commanders who were evacuated gave valuable information which led to the immediate reinforcement of Dong Xoai and saved the village. Captain Grasmeder’s conspicuous gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.