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 Franklin Forrest, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as a Platoon Leader in an Infantry Company of the 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, in action against the enemy in Korea, on September 14 – 15, 1950. While defending a hill position near Waegwan, Korea, First Lieutenant Forrest’s company was suddenly brought under a heavy attack by a numerically superior enemy force that disorganized and scattered his unit and threatened to result in a complete rout. Although wounded, First Lieutenant Forrest refused to be evacuated and moved from his protective cover to better direct the fire of his men. Although suffering intense pain, he directed a skillful defense of his position and led a successful counterattack. His extreme courage and fearless leadership reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.

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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) John Franklin Forrest, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as the Platoon Leader in an Infantry Company of the 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, in action against the enemy near Pugu-dong, Korea, on 12 October 1950. First Lieutenant Forrest commanded a lead platoon mounted on tanks that was assigned as the foremost element in a battalion attack formation. When his platoon was engaged by enemy fire, he dismounted his men and fearlessly maneuvered them through 300 yards of enemy territory to reach the dominating enemy positions. Stopping to render emergency medical treatment to several of his men who had been wounded, First Lieutenant Forrest, having penetrated the enemy’s main line of resistance, he then courageously gathered his six remaining men and briefed them on his plan of surprise action to rout the enemy. Deploying them widely he led them yelling and screaming into the enemy’s midst. This ruse so completely baffled and surprised the enemy into believing they main positions had fallen that they began a general withdrawal. First Lieutenant Forrest’s personal courage, outstanding leadership, and daring devotion to duty were directly responsible for routing and driving back a large enemy force, knocking out six anti-tank guns and killing more than 50 enemy. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant Forrest, 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.