The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant John W. Murphy, Jr. (MCSN: 621446), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Tank Commander of Company D, First Tank Battalion, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 29 November 1950. With his tank the focal point of the defense of a portion of a stalled convoy of vehicles, and the principal target of a series of four attacks by an estimated enemy force of platoon strength, Sergeant Murphy expertly directed the fire of his tank as he stood on the engine compartment doors and fired the .50 caliber machine gun that was mounted on the tank. Seriously wounded in the abdomen when one of the attacks penetrated to within five yards of his position, he staunchly refused to be evacuated and, remaining with his tank, continued to direct accurate and effective fire until the enemy withdrew. By his forceful leadership, inspiring courage and steadfast devotion to duty against heavy odds, Sergeant Murphy contributed to the saving of personnel and vehicles in the convoy and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.