John W. Marcum

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) John Wayne Marcum, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy as Assault Team Leader for a Joint Task Force in direct support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM on 16 November 2007. Chief Petty Officer Marcum was part of a daring and complex direct action assault against an entrenched and heavily fortified enemy. Penetrating enemy territory, his assault force eliminated enemy threats during a four-hour firefight. Chief Petty Officer Marcum and a team member repeatedly maneuvered to unsupported positions and selflessly exposed themselves to direct enemy fire to provide suppressing fire for the assault force. When his military working dog team was wounded by enemy fire, and with total disregard for his own safety, Chief Petty Officer Marcum bounded forward and engaged the entrenched enemy position with small arms fire and hand grenades, eliminating two enemy fighters. Exposed to enemy flanking fire, he continuously engaged the enemy until his wounded teammate reached cover. Chief Petty Officer Marcum’s heroism under direct enemy fire clearly saved lives, ultimately leading to the neutralization of several enemy combatants. By his bold initiative, undaunted courage, and complete dedication to Chief Petty Officer Marcum reflected great credit upon himself upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) John Wayne Marcum, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy as Assault Team Leader for a Joint Task Force in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM on 11 September 2008. Senior Chief Petty Officer Marcum led his assault team as part of a ground force element that executed a daring Direct Action mission against a heavily armed and barricaded senior Taliban commander’s cell. His troop successfully navigated through arduous enemy controlled terrain and an early warning network to assault a compound, eliminating the Taliban cell leader and 11 of his fighters during an hour long firefight. Upon initial clearance, Senior Chief Petty Officer Marcum realized two of his teammates were exposed to a barricaded position. Without regard for his own safety, he positioned himself in the direct line of enemy fire to pull them back to cover as two enemy grenades and small arms fire struck their position. Minutes later, while securing the compound, he was shot at point blank from a barricaded enemy shooter, hiding behind a false wall. Though mortally wounded, he maneuvered on, engaged, and eliminated the enemy and then calmly passed the enemy status to his team. This bought his team critical time to reassess and eliminate the remaining threat. His heroic bravery during intense combat operations was an inspiration to all who have served with him. By his bold initiative, undaunted courage, and complete dedication to duty, Senior Chief Petty Officer Marcum reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.