The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class John J. Hennessy, Jr. (MCSN: 1126658), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Machine Gunner 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 vicious attacks by a numerically superior hostile force during the hours of darkness, Private First Class Hennessy bravely maintained his position in the face of devastating enemy automatic weapons and small arms fire and succeeded in pouring a large volume of accurate fire upon the advancing hostile force, although his machine gun was emplaced in an exposed position because of the poor terrain and repeatedly received the brunt of the fanatic enemy assaults. Despite painful wounds sustained during the early stages of the engagement, he refused medical attention and remained at his gun until the hostile force was completely routed with heavy casualties. By his outstanding courage, determination and gallant devotion to duty, Private First Class Hennessy aided materially in the successful defense of the strategic ground and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.