John Arthur Eller

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to John Arthur Eller (2351913), Lance Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Squad Leader with Company D, First Military Police Battalion, Force Logistics Command, THIRD Marine Amphibious Force, in connection with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 23 August 1968, a friendly defensive unit, providing security for the Cam Le Bridge located near DaNang, suddenly came under intense small arms fire and a grenade attack supporting a determined ground assault by a large enemy force. During the ensuing fire fight, the hostile soldiers penetrated the perimeter and seized the southern defensive positions. Observing the engagement from an observation tower on the northern side of the bridge, Lance Corporal Eller rapidly organized a group of Marines and immediately deployed them to launch an attack against the enemy force. Skillfully leading his men across the bridge, the Marines had advanced approximately 180 meters when they came under a heavy volume of hostile fire and became pinned down. Boldly exposing himself to the enemy fire, Lance Corporal Eller unhesitatingly continued to advance and sustained a serious wound. Disregarding his painful injury, he fearlessly maneuvered across an additional 100 meters of the fire-swept bridge while delivering suppressive machine gun fire upon the hostile emplacements. Undaunted by the enemy fire, he advanced to within twenty-five meters of the hostile positions and, ignoring a second wound, threw several hand grenades into the enemy emplacements which killed two hostile soldiers. Continuing his determined efforts, he delivered devastating machine gun fire upon the enemy until he was mortally wounded. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and steadfast devotion to duty, Lance Corporal Eller inspired all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.