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 Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) John L. Klingenhagen (ASN: 0-39223), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters, 2d Battalion, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 18 July 1952 in the vicinity of Chorwon, North Korea. On that date Colonel Klingenhagen’s battalion was engaged in bitter combat with a fanatical enemy force for the possession of Hill 266, “OLD BALDY”. After two of his companies had been repulsed by the enemy, Colonel Klingenhagen, realizing the possibility of a tactical crisis, left the relative cover afforded by his observation post and began to personally direct and reorganize his forces. Regrouping the remnants of two platoons, whose leaders had been killed or wounded, he led them to new positions. After placing them in positions from which they could maintain a foothold on the finger of the hill, he then began to direct the placement of fire from friendly tanks. Numerous times during the raging battle he rendered first aid to the wounded and directed their evacuation by tanks. Although men were falling all around him from the lethal enemy fire, Colonel Klingenhagen, with complete disregard for personal safety, tenaciously maintained his hazardous position. His outstanding display of leadership throughout the intense struggle and his election to remain in the midst of raging conflict inspired his men immensely and as a result they responded magnificently to the task at hand. When his battalion was relieved after successfully maintaining their positions, Colonel Klingenhagen remained exposed to the imminent dangers and supervised the emplacement of the relief forces. The gallantry exhibited by Colonel Klingenhagen on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.