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 Private First Class John Thomas Costello (ASN: US-51069106), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company C, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 1 September 1951 in the vicinity of Taeusan, Korea. On that date, during an attack on strategic enemy positions, the platoon of which Private Costello was a member, was halted by intense enemy automatic weapons and small arms fire. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, Private Costello, with complete disregard for his personal safety, moved his machine gun up on the ridge line. Completely exposed to enemy observation and fire, he proceeded to lay down a concentrated flow of machine gun fire upon the enemy’s position, inflicting numerous enemy casualties. Drawing the enemy’s attention, Private Costello gave his platoon the necessary time to reorganize and secure its objective. During the ensuing action, Private Costello was fatally wounded by enemy fire. The gallantry in action displayed by Private Costello reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.