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 (Coast Artillery Corps) John Popovics, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with Battery B, 21st Anti-Aircraft Artillery (Automatic Weapons) Battalion (Self Propelled), 25th Infantry Division, in action on 4 April 1951, in Korea. On the morning of 4 April 1951, while reconnoitering ahead of friendly lines, Lieutenant Popovics and party of two were subjected to heavy fire from concealed hostile positions. After assuring himself of the safety of his comrades, he ran and crawled across open terrain to obtain reinforcements. Returning with a half-track, he directed the destruction of the enemy emplacements. As the Infantry began to cross the Yongpyong-chan River, he repeatedly exposed himself to a deadly small arms and mortar barrage to guide two half-track platoons into position and to ensure a continuous stream of effective support fire. First Lieutenant Popovics’ valorous leadership, military ability, and selfless devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.