Bronze Star Medal
with Combat 'V' for Valor
Staff Sergeant John Mullan
CITATION:
"For heroic achievement while serving as Platoon Sergeant, 1st Platoon, C Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division in connection with combat operations against the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese regular forces at the battle for Hue City during the Tet Offensive in the Republic of Vietnam, from 12 to 13 February 1968. Staff Sergeant Mullan, without regard for his own safety or life, dashed through a hail of enemy fire and single handedly carried a critically wounded Marine to safety. After reaching the command post, he returned through the enemy fire to assess the condition of the remaining 3rd Squad members. Upon finding the situation under control, he returned to the command post for a second time. This time, as he entered the building, it was hit by an enemy rocket and at the same time Staff Sergeant Mullan was critically wounded by enemy automatic weapons fire. His courage under fire, unselfish devotion, and extraordinary heroism inspired his men to defeat the enemy force allowing the Marines to take Hue City. Staff Sergeant Mullan's courageous actions, exceptional initiative, and total dedication to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service."
The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.