The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal John Handwerger (MCSN: 1035596), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Machine Gun Squad Leader of Company C, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 23 April 1951. When the company was subjected to a series of violent attacks by a numerically superior hostile force during the hours of darkness, three of Corporal Handwerger’s machine guns were put out of action and their crews became casualties. Braving the furious hail of hostile mortar, small arms and automatic weapons fire, he skillfully repaired the weapons and put them back into action, manning one gun himself and employing ammunition bearers on the others. A brave and determined leader, he delivered devastating fire upon the enemy until his gun was hit and damaged beyond repair, whereupon he assisted in the evacuation of casualties, dashing repeatedly into fire-swept areas to carry wounded comrades to safety. By his outstanding courage, quick initiative and resolute determination, Corporal Handwerger served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.