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Navy Federal Credit Union

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 (Infantry), [then Second Lieutenant] John J. Finnegan (ASN: 0-968686), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company E, 2d Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 22 September 1950, the company with which Lieutenant Finnegan served as a rifle platoon leader was attacking in the vicinity of Chinju, Korea. As the company neared the crest of a ridge, withering enemy fire inflicted severe casualties on one of the platoons. Integrating the remaining members of the platoon into his own, he deployed his men in a wedge formation and led them up the slope. Standing erect, he tossed a grenade toward a hostile machine gun position; when the grenade fell short, he obtained another, again stood up and scored a direct hit, killing the entire crew. Lieutenant Finnegan’s notable courage, tactical ability and outstanding devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry), [then Second Lieutenant]

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    27th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    25th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    November 27, 1950
    Headquarters, 25th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 86 (January 30, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry), [then Second Lieutenant] John J. Finnegan (ASN: 0-968686), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company E, 2d Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. During the early morning hours of 27 November 1950, near Ipsok, Korea, Lieutenant Finnegan skillfully led his platoon through a barrage of heavy mortar and artillery fire to secure a vital commanding ridge. When the enemy attacked in overwhelming force, he calmly directed and encouraged his men to an effective defense. After assisting in the re-deployment of friendly tanks, he voluntarily traversed an area of intense enemy fire to replenish his supply of machine gun ammunition and then continued to supervise fire until he was severely wounded. Lieutenant Finnegan’s notable courage, exemplary leadership and selfless devotion to duty inspired his men to maximum effort and reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.