SILVER STAR

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the SILVER STAR MEDAL to

  CAPTAIN JOHN D. NIOTIS

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

For service as set forth in the following

 CITATION:

           For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Commanding Officer of Company L, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Marine Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 22 February 1968 during Operation Hue City, Captain NIOTIS aggressively led his company in an attack against fortified North Vietnamese Army positions along the southern portion of the Citadel wall. Completely disregarding his own safety, he courageously advanced with the forward elements, effectively directing his men and simultaneously calling in air strikes on enemy emplacements dangerously close to his own position. Taking his company in aggressive assault that overran the hostile positions. Again on 1 March, Captain NIOTIS led a bold attack against entrenched North Vietnamese positions east of the walled city. When his unit’s advance was temporarily halted by heavy enemy resistance along a stream, he maneuvered forward of his lead elements to personally assess the situation. He then skillfully organized his men and executed a daring attack from the enemy’s flank which routed the North Vietnamese and resulted in fifteen enemy confirmed killed. As a result of his outstanding tactical skill, his company did not sustain a single casualty during the assault. By his inspiring leadership, steadfast courage and selfless devotion to duty at great personal risk, Captain NIOTIS was instrumental in the accomplishment of his unit’s mission and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.

FOR THE PRESIDENT,

V. H. KRULAK

LIEUTENANT GENERAL, U. S. MARINE CORPS

COMMANDING GENERAL, FLEET MARINE FORCE, PACIFC