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 F. Saunders (ASN: US-52056380), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company E, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 25 May 1951 in the vicinity of Waya-ri, Korea. On that date Corporal Saunders, point man of his squad, was advancing up the slope of a strategic enemy hill, when a hostile machine gun pinned them down. Corporal Saunders, with disregard of personal safety, moved up the rock strewn slope and crawled to within grenade range of the position. After throwing a grenade into the hostile emplacement he charged forward, firing his rifle at the enemy. As a result of his courageous and intrepid action the unit was able to continue its assault and take its objective. In his valiant charge Corporal Saunders killed four enemy soldiers and wounded several more. The extraordinary gallantry in action displayed by Corporal Saunders reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.