The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Captain (Infantry) John Joseph Powers, Jr. (ASN: 0-27478), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, near Chung-jung-ni, Korea, on 15 December 1950. At approximately 0930 hours, Captain Powers, upon being notified that the 3d platoon of his company was surrounded by the enemy, immediately formed a task force consisting of a reinforced platoon and three medium tanks. After advancing about half-way to the beleaguered platoon, Captain Powers deployed his men and directed such destructive retaliation that the enemy was pushed back from the right flank. Fighting with great skill and courage, Captain Powers was hit during this encounter but selflessly continued to deploy his unit, assign firing missions to tank commanders and direct the fire of the riflemen. The enemy inflicted many casualties in this action, but Captain Powers, with unwavering resolution to reach the besieged platoon, regrouped his troops and forged on. Again the unit received a heavy barrage of mortar fire, seriously wounding Captain Powers, who refused evacuation and ordered the unit forward. The determined foe then launched another vicious assault and Captain Powers received a third and more grievous wound. Realizing the impossibility of reaching the isolated platoon, Captain Powers, constantly suffering agonizing pain and weakening from loss of blood, reorganized the task force, supervised loading of the wounded on the tank beds and ordered a withdrawal. Only after movement of the unit to the rear had begun, would he consent to ride on the tank with the disabled. Upon returning to the company perimeter, Captain Powers refused aid until he had reorganized the company and the other wounded had been treated. Captain Powers’ superb leadership, incredible courage and consummate devotion to duty served as an inspiration to the men of his command and reflect utmost credit upon himself and the honored traditions of the military service.