The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Major (Infantry) John Callum (ASN: 0-262066), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 6 September 1950 in the vicinity of Changnyong, Korea. On that date his regiment began to counterattack the elements of the enemy forces which had penetrated the Naktong River Defense Line, in the vicinity of Changnyong. As the regimental S-2, Major Callum had selected a position for the regimental observation post from which he and the other members of the staff could observe and direct the attack. Mortar, artillery and small arms fire from a determined enemy soon forced them to abandon that position, and establish a new observation post which was under direct enemy observation. Realizing that the enemy was able to observe and direct fire upon his position, Major Callum, with complete disregard for his personal safety, operated the post for a period of over thirty minutes; then having selected a better position, he personally supervised the evacuation of all personnel and equipment from that position to the new one before attempting to leave himself. Before he was able to move to the new observation post, he was killed by an artillery shell which fell directly upon his position. The complete unselfishness, devotion to duty and gallantry displayed by Major Callum on this occasion reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.