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.