The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) John Chesnut, Jr. (ASN: 0-1925783), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company L, 3d Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On the morning of 26 May 1953, volunteer elements of the 3d Battalion had the mission of attacking an enemy-held position in the vicinity of Manyon-Ni, Korea, to capture a prisoner for intelligence purposes. As the raiding party proceeded up the hill, Lieutenant Chesnut, the officer in charge of the assault, located himself in a strategic position. Although his position was exposed to intense hostile fire, he remained there because of its value in enabling him to direct his squads. When his men reached the summit of the hill, he joined in the main assault on the enemy bunkers. With disregard for his safety, he moved about the fire swept area and personally destroyed two bunkers. As the friendly forces were withdrawing, Lieutenant Chesnut again exposed himself to assist in the evacuation of a wounded man. Lieutenant Chesnut’s outstanding gallantry and untiring devotion to duty reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.