Navy Federal Credit Union

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), [then First Lieutenant] John P. Geraci (ASN: 0-200402), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company E, 2d Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 22 May 1951, near Sukso-ri, Korea, Company F was occupying defensive positions when it was suddenly subjected to a fierce attack by a numerically superior enemy force. Ignoring the withering enemy fire sweeping the area, Captain Geraci moved from position to position, reassuring his men and giving them valuable instructions. During the fierce engagement, he personally directed the fire of his machine gun and recoilless rifle sections. Captain Geraci’s selfless gallantry materially contributed to the repeated repulsion of the fanatical hostile attackers and reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    7th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    April 25, 1951

    Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 278 (July 13, 1951)

    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. Geraci (ASN: 0-200402), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company F, 2d Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 25 April 1951, near Popsu-dong, Korea, when large numbers of hostile troops had forced Company F to withdraw slightly, Lieutenant Geraci learned that three wounded men had been left behind and would probably be captured by the enemy. Even though an attempt to cross the exposed terrain was extremely hazardous, Lieutenant Geraci unhesitatingly began crawling through the bullet-swept area to where the stricken soldiers lay and lifting one wounded soldier, carried the man to a position of safety. Lieutenant Geraci made three such daring rescues, even though he was wounded by an enemy shell fragment on the second trip. When he had safely evacuated the men, he efficiently reorganized the company and pressed the attack forward, causing many enemy casualties, before receiving an order for a general withdrawal. Lieutenant Geraci’s conspicuous gallantry and inspiring courage reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Colonel (Infantry)

    Division:

    101st Airborne Division

    Action Date:

    Vietnam War

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Colonel (Infantry) John P. Geraci (ASN: 0-200402), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity In action against the enemy while serving with the 101st Airborne Division, in the Republic of Vietnam. 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 and the United States Army.

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Infantry), [then First Lieutenant]

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    7th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    May 25, 1951

    Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 328 (July 30, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Captain (Infantry), [then First Lieutenant] John P. Geraci (ASN: 0-200402), United States Army, for heroic achievement during ground operations against a hostile force as a member of Company E, 2d Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 25 May 1951, while attacking well-defended enemy positions on Hill 856, Korea, Company F was suddenly subjected to withering enemy machine gun fire from the right flank. Fearing that the entire attack would bog down, Captain Geraci courageously braved the intense hostile fire and ran 75 yards to a nearby road where a group of tanks were supporting the attack. After directing the tanks fire on the enemy emplacements, he ran back to his forward elements and, continually exposing himself to enemy observation and fire, urged his men to renew the vigor of their assault. Captain Geraci’s heroic actions reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.