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 Captain (Infantry) John A. Elledge (ASN: 0-1042282), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters, 2d Division Artillery, [then Headquarters, 503d Field Artillery Battalion, 2d Infantry Division], in action against an armed enemy from 13 through 15 February 1951, in the vicinity of Chipyong-ni, Korea. On the first night of attack Captain Elledge was contacting a squad of the United Nations Battalion, which was defending an exposed area of the perimeter, for possible direct fire targets for the artillery. An enemy force of platoon size launched a bayonet charge on the perimeter. Without regard for their lives, Captain Elledge and the members of the squad immediately launched a counterattack with fixed bayonets and hand grenades. This sudden move confused the enemy and forced him to withdraw, and thus preventing a breach in the perimeter defense. On the afternoon of 15 February, Captain Elledge, with members of the same United Nations Battalion, engaged in a hand grenade duel with several of the enemy deeply intrenched on a small hill, and refused to withdraw until the enemy was destroyed. His aggressive leadership, and ability to cope with the obstacle of a language barrier was largely instrumental in preserving the perimeter and preventing the enemy from over-running the artillery position. The gallantry displayed by Captain Elledge reflects great credit upon himself and upholds the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.