The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant John J. Cunningham (ASN: RA-23099912), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Battery C, 15th Field Artillery Battalion, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 30 August 1951 in the vicinity of Tumil-li, Korea. On this date Sergeant Cunningham was the artillery forward observer with Company E, 9th Infantry Regiment, which was advancing up a finger attacking the main ridge of Hill 940. As the unit advanced it was suddenly subjected to intense enemy mortar and automatic weapons fire. Sergeant Cunningham, with complete disregard for his personal safety, left his position of cover and moved to a little knoll ahead of the advanced elements, completely exposed to enemy observation and fire. From this position, he adjusted accurate artillery fire, neutralizing the enemy fire to an extent that the unit was able to proceed with the attack with a minimum of casualties. The gallantry in action displayed by Sergeant Cunningham reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.