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 D. Ruthardt (ASN: RA-12267192), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company M, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 29 July 1951 in the vicinity of Hoam, Korea. On this date Company I had secured a strategic hill and was in defensive positions when the enemy launched a vicious counterattack. During this enemy attack the crew of one of the machine guns was wounded. Corporal Ruthardt, assigned to the unit as a 75-mm. recoilless rifleman, crawled to the machine gun position through intense enemy fire. Reaching the weapon, he directed heavy and effective fire upon hostile forces, inflicting numerous casualties upon them. His accurate fire halted the enemy attack long enough for him to render medical aid to his wounded comrades. Returning to his weapon, Corporal Ruthardt commenced firing upon enemy positions and directly aided friendly units in repulsing the hostile forces. The gallantry in action and devotion to duty displayed by Corporal Ruthardt on this occasion reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.