The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) John E. Gandy (ASN: 0-2262309), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company A, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division in action against an armed enemy on 25 November 1950 and 26 November 1950, in the vicinity of Kujang-dong, Korea. On the night of 25 November 1950 his company was in an assembly area when a strong enemy force launched a surprise attack against the unit’s positions, endangering the entire battalion perimeter. Immediately recognizing the threat to the security of the entire battalion, Lieutenant Gandy led his platoon from its bivouac position in a counterattack against the numerically superior enemy force. In order to coordinate the attacking elements of his platoon he was forced to expose himself constantly to heavy hostile machine gun, mortar, and small arms fire. Realizing that his fire power was insufficient to repel the enemy assault, he further exposed himself in order to bring forward and direct supporting tank fire. Fearlessly moving from position to position on the firing line, he directed the defensive tactics of his men, inspiring them by his example of courage. As a result of his skillful and heroic leadership the enemy attack was repulsed with severe casualties. In the early morning hours of 26 November 1950, during the last phase of the Lieutenant Gandy was mortally wounded. The gallantry and inspiring leadership displayed by Lieutenant Gandy reflect great credit upon himself and are in keeping with the fine traditions of the military service.