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 Major (Infantry) John H. Campbell (ASN: 0-382000), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Executive Officer, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 13 February 1951, near Taechong-dong, Korea, a task force commanded by Major Campbell, departed from the battalion perimeter in the early morning hours with a mission of contacting any enemy elements in the battalion zone to the south bank of the Han River. At noon Major Campbell received word that the battalion was under heavy attack by an unknown number of enemy troops. All elements of this task force, with the exception of one reinforced rifle platoon and one platoon of tanks, were immediately ordered to return to the battalion perimeter to defend it against this attack. Major Campbell was ordered to engage the enemy from the rear in order to relieve the pressure on the battalion line. He expertly moved his small task force to a low hill in the rear of this enemy force. Seeking a better vantage point from which he could direct maximum firepower on the enemy forces, he, with outstanding courage and aggressiveness, moved through a withering hail of enemy fire to a higher point on the hill. From this position in the face of overwhelming odds he directed deadly fire upon the enemy, killing one hundred and fifty of them and wounding many more. The enemy sent two companies to flank Major Campbell’s small force and eliminate it. Concurrently his force commenced receiving heavy and accurate mortar fire. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Major Campbell moved among his units to direct their fire. As darkness fell, he personally directed the supporting fires as he disengaged his force from the enemy and withdrew to the battalion perimeter. This conspicuous gallantry and highly efficient combat skill displayed by Major Campbell reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Major (Infantry)Batallion:
1st BattalionRegiment:
15th Infantry RegimentDivision:
3d Infantry DivisionAction Date:
November 29, 1950
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 106 (December 31, 1950)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Infantry) John H. Campbell (ASN: 0-382000), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Korea. On 29 November 1950, near Majon-Ni, Korea, Major Campbell was in command of a patrol which had the mission of clearing enemy positions along the road popularly known as “Ambush Alley”. When the unit came under intense enemy fire from positions along high ground, Major Campbell was wounded in the arm. Despite the personal danger involved, Major Campbell, although exposed to enemy automatic and mortar fire, calmly placed a mortar squad in position and gave them fire missions. Concurrently, by utilizing the outside phone of a buttoned up tank, he directed fire on enemy positions, enabling the vehicles of the convoy to withdraw safely. While holding this phone it was shot from his hand so he proceeded to the lead where he had vehicles turned around and the wounded and dead loaded aboard. During the entire action he was continually exposed to enemy observation and fire. His calm, cool, and forceful leadership effected an orderly withdrawal of the unit to safer positions. The inspirational leadership, personal bravery, and gallantry displayed by Major Campbell reflects great credit upon himself and upholds the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.