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 P. Gannon (ASN: 0-930712), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy as a member of Company E, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, on 14 September 1950, near Taegu, Korea. When his battalion was assigned the mission of attacking and driving a numerically superior enemy force from a well-fortified hill, Lieutenant Gannon volunteered to lead a small patrol into the enemy’s position in an attempt to learn the enemy’s strength and capabilities. Disregarding his own safety, Lieutenant Gannon skillfully led his patrol through the enemy mortar, automatic weapons and small arms fire into the enemy’s perimeter of defense. Upon learning the enemy’s strength and location of gun emplacements, he relayed the information back to friendly forces, and remaining in his dangerous position, continued to direct the fire of friendly artillery and mortars. As a result of Lieutenant Gannon’s selfless and courageous action the enemy was driven from their strong position and our forces were enabled to launch a ground attack to successfully capture the hill. Lieutenant Gannon’s gallantry in action reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.