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.

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.