The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) John Neely Ford (ASN: 0-1338937), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company M, 3d Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in the vicinity of a defensive position set up by a rifle company. On that date, greatly increased enemy activity was noted in the vicinity of a defensive position set up by a rifle company, and the machine gun platoon commanded by Lieutenant Ford. He was ordered to hold the area defended by his platoon at all costs, as this was the most critical area, and the entire defense was based on that position. Lieutenant Ford prepared the position so thoroughly that when the enemy started the attacks at 0200 on 25 November 1950, the position was almost impregnable. Time and again the enemy launched banzai attacks against the position, and just as often were repulsed by the great firepower and fierce resistance of Lieutenant Ford and his men. He moved from machine gun to machine gun, ignoring the heavy mortar, machine gun and small arms fire falling all about him. Lieutenant Ford’s coolness and courage inspired his men to hold their position and keep up the resistance. Throughout the succeeding two days he kept on the move in the platoon area, aiding the wounded, bringing up ammunition and taking his turn on the firing line with his men. At one point, all the men on one gun were either killed or wounded, and the position was in imminent danger of being overrun. Undaunted, Lieutenant Ford manned the gun and successfully beat off another determined attack of the enemy. For three days and nights the brave platoon repulsed every attack by the enemy and finally the enemy, suffering from previous casualties, pulled back to seek a softer spot in the lines, leaving the gallant defenders under Lieutenant Ford in complete control of the area. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.