The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private John Dean Bendix (ASN: RA-17272826), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, in action against the enemy on 16 August 1950, near Waegwan, Korea. While his company was participating in a combined tank-infantry attack on a strong enemy position, two friendly tanks were made inoperable by enemy action. Realizing that in order to escape, the crews of the disabled tanks would need strong covering fire, Private Bendix, with complete disregard for his own personal safety, mounted the open decks of another tank and opened fire on the enemy with a .50 caliber machine gun. Remaining in his exposed and vulnerable position until he was certain that all the tank crew had withdrawn, Private Bendix continued to man his machine gun until he was mortally wounded. His courageous aggressiveness, at the sacrifice of his own life, was directly responsible for the safe withdrawal of two tank crews. Private Bendix’s gallant actions reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.