The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Corps of Engineers) John P. Quinn (ASN: 0-1326579), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company C, 2d Engineer Combat Battalion, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 28 November 1950 in the vicinity of Yongsu-dong, Korea. In the early morning hours of that date, in spite of being wounded by enemy mortar fire and injured by a concussion grenade, Lieutenant Quinn directed his platoon in repelling three enemy attacks. He provided covering fire for the withdrawal of other units in the area and then withdrew with his platoon. Immediately after withdrawing, he was ordered to move his platoon back to its former position, which he did under heavy enemy fire. He observed two supporting tanks and moved through the heavy enemy fire to ask for supporting fire. Discovering that one of the tanks was out of .50 caliber ammunition, he transferred the needed amount from one tank to the other. Returning to his platoon, he found that all but four of his men were wounded and that their ammunition was almost exhausted. He immediately ordered his men to withdraw and assisted the wounded to the tanks for evacuation. The gallantry displayed by Lieutenant Quinn reflects the highest great upon himself is in keeping with the fine traditions of the military service.