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 E. Jessup, Jr. (ASN: 0-62219), United States Army, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in Korea while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 5th Regimental Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division. On 16 September 1950, when his roadblock in the vicinity of Waegwan, Korea was attacked by numerically superior enemy forces, Lieutenant Jessup manned a light machine gun to provide covering fire for the displacement of his platoon. Although suffering from serious wounds from mortar fragments, he advanced on the enemy and continued firing until painful burns from the over heated weapon caused him to abandon the machine gun. Seizing a rifle, he continued to hold off the attackers until displacement had been accomplished, and his ammunition was exhausted. Then, armed only with his pistol, he remained until all casualties had been removed. Lieutenant Jessup’s conspicuous heroism and outstanding leadership reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.