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 Second Lieutenant (Infantry), [then Master Sergeant] John P. Abbaticchio (ASN: RA-13205085), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company K, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, in action against the enemy on 6 February 1951, near Konjion-ni, Korea. Lieutenant Abbaticchio’s platoon was given the mission of seizing an enemy gun position that was holding up the advance of the battalion. By aggressive movement, he forced the enemy to reveal their positions prematurely and then, with complete disregard for his own safety, he rushed to the top of the objective. Lieutenant Abbaticchio then fearlessly moved from one enemy position to the next, killing the enemy in their holes, and directing his platoon to follow his example. Due primarily to his efforts, the position was taken and the battalion was able to advance. Lieutenant Abbaticchio’s courage and devotion to duty reflect great credit on himself and the military service.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Master Sergeant [then Sergeant] John P. Abbaticchio (ASN: RA-13205085), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company K, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, in action against the enemy on 3 September 1950 near Waegwan, Korea. While occupying a defensive line of the forward slope of hill 518, Sergeant Abbaticchio’s platoon became disorganized and scattered by a fanatical enemy banzai charge. Single-handedly holding off the first assault by accurately delivering fire from his rifle, Sergeant Abbaticchio displayed calm, forceful leadership, reorganized and rallied the men in his vicinity. When they were reformed into an effective fighting team, he then stood up to draw fire from three machine guns supporting the enemy attack in order to discover their position. When the gun emplacements were located, Sergeant Abbaticchio so effectively directed the returning fire that the enemy positions were eliminated. His selfless courage and remarkable leadership in the face of enemy fire inspired and stimulated his men into repulsing two additional enemy attacks. Sergeant Abbaticchio’s exemplary leadership and extreme courage prevented a vital position from falling into enemy hands and enabled a small force to inflict heavy losses on the enemy. Sergeant Abbaticchio’s gallantry reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.