The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal John W. Harper (ASN: RA-14301826), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company K, 3d Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 20 May 1951 near Koyang-san, Korea, Corporal Harper’s platoon was attacking the forward slope of Hill 674 which was well defended by the enemy with a number of automatic weapons. Upon reaching the base of the slope, the unit’s advance was greatly hindered by the steady bursts of fire from two well-situated machine guns. Realizing the necessity of destroying the enemy emplacement, Corporal Harper, voluntarily relinquishing his defilade position, moved up the hill toward the enemy weapons. Undaunted by the enemy’s savage attempts to stop him, he crawled up the rugged slope, throwing several hand grenades which silenced one gun and killed its crew. Continuing his fearless advance, Corporal Harper, fired into the second gun crew and killed another enemy soldier; then jumping into the machine gun nest he bayoneted the last enemy crewman to death. The neutralizing of these weapons enabled the platoon to continue its assault and eventually secure its objective. This outstanding and gallant feat performed by Corporal Harper reflects the highest credit upon himself and is in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service.