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 Colonel (Infantry), [then Lieutenant Colonel] John Powers Connor (ASN: 0-20860), United States Army, for gallantry in action as Commanding Officer of the 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, near Soum-ni, Korea, during the night of 7 – 8 November 1951. The First Battalion, holding defensive positions, was savagely attacked in the hours of darkness by a numerically superior enemy force. During the ensuing conflict, two companies became isolated from the units on the main line of resistance. Realizing this, Colonel Connor, displaying far greater concern for the welfare of his men than for his personal safety, advanced to aid the fighting infantrymen. Undaunted by the intense concentration of small arms, mortar and artillery fire with which the enemy was blasting the entire area, he made his way up the treacherously steep slope to the scene of thickest action. Immediately sizing up the situation, he moved from position to position, shouting words of encouragement and instruction to the men around him. Inspired by his fearlessness and cool, skillful leadership, the riflemen fought with renewed aggressiveness and soon sent the greatly decimated enemy hordes fleeing in panicky confusion. Colonel Connor’s gallant action, exemplary leadership and selfless devotion to duty contributed immeasurably to the success of the Battalion’s defenses and reflect the highest credit on himself and the United States Infantry.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) John Powers Connor (ASN: 0-20860), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving while serving as Commanding Officer of an Infantry Battalion of the 187th Regimental Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division, in action against the enemy in the vicinity of Inje, Korea, Korea, on 26 May 1951. Lieutenant Colonel Connor personally led his battalion across a fire-swept river and overran an enemy position. Completely heedless of the heavy volume of enemy fire, Lieutenant Connor personally accompanied the leading elements of the battalion in an assault on the hostile positions. Throughout the engagement, Lieutenant Colonel Connor moved among his men encouraging them and effectively directing their efforts to overrun the enemy position. As a result of his heroic actions and aggressive leadership, the battalion successfully executed and extremely difficult river crossing under direct enemy fire. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Lieutenant Colonel Connor, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.