The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant John W. Longwitz (ASN: RA-36809435), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company D, 1st Battalion, 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, in action near Chinnampo, Korea, on 17 October 1950. When the motor convoy, racing to secure ferry sites across the Taedong-gang River encountered an enemy vehicle approaching from its left flank, Sergeant Longwitz immediately approached the vehicle and demanded the surrender of its occupants. Taking a position to the rear of the vehicle after the enemy had indicated that they intended to surrender, he came under fire from additional hostile vehicles approaching from out of the night. By the volume and accuracy of his returned fire, the enemy was forced to take cover and the friendly troops warned of the approaching force. In the ensuing fire fight, Sergeant Longwitz was killed. His gallant actions and unhesitant devotion to duty reflect the greatest credit upon himself and the United States Infantry.