The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Field Artillery) John R. Hector (ASN: 0-30717), United States Army, for gallantry in action as Commanding Officer, 37th Field Artillery Battalion, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea, on 17 and 18 May 1951. On those days, when the 2d and 3d Battalions of the 23d Infantry Regiment were cut off by a road block in the vicinity of Cholchong-ni, Colonel Hector elected to remain with the forward elements of the French Battalion, through which the two battalions of the 23d were to withdraw, to insure constant and instantaneous artillery support to both the 23d Regiment and the French Battalion. Colonel Hector remained in a forward position, directing artillery fires until the withdrawal of the infantry forces was accomplished and the French had disengaged to previously selected positions. His personal bravery, gallantry, and coordination of all artillery available, contributed greatly to the success of an operation which might have proved disastrous in losses of men and material and a possible exposure of the entire right flank of friendly forces. Plaudits from supported units concerning the high excellence of the support given by our artillery units indicate that Colonel Hector played a very considerable and gallant part in the entire operation. His wide knowledge of artillery doctrine, his coolness in the face of the attacking enemy, and his gallant professional competence reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.