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 Colonel (Infantry) John Matthew Lynch (ASN: 0-20377), United States Army, for gallantry in action as Commanding Officer of the 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy from 6 through 8 October 1951 in the vicinity of Yanggu, Korea. During this period the infantry regiment had the mission of attacking and securing strongly fortified positions defended by a determined and fanatical enemy force. Throughout the operation, friendly units were under heavy enemy mortar, automatic weapons and small arms fire. In spite of this action and displaying utter disregard for his own safety, Colonel Lynch, time and again, advanced through the heavy enemy fire to a vantage point in order to better observe the action and direct the operations of his unit. Under his brilliant leadership the infantry regiment succeeded in its mission, securing the enemy positions and inflicting numerous casualties upon the enemy while suffering a minimum of friendly casualties. His dauntless courage and brilliant direction of the operation were directly responsible for the regiment’s success. The gallant actions of Colonel Lynch were highly inspirational to those about him and reflects great 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 Colonel (Infantry) John Matthew Lynch (ASN: 0-20377), United States Army, for gallantry in action as Commanding Officer of the 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 29 August 1951 in the vicinity of Yanggu, Korea. On this date the 9th Infantry Regiment was engaged in a desperate struggle with a numerically superior enemy force, defending vital terrain. The 2d Battalion was receiving a devastating hail of enemy fire which threatened the attacking forces. Colonel Lynch, regimental commander, realizing the seriousness of the situation, made a reconnaissance tour of the combat area to determine the necessity of holding the position. Advancing to the farthest outposts of each company, he braved the continuous enemy fire in order to gain complete knowledge of the situation. Displaying a confident manner which coupled with his close contact inspired the officers and men of the battalion. The first hand knowledge gained by Colonel Lynch’s repeated reconnaissance tours ultimately resulted in the capture of the enemy positions. The gallantry and outstanding leadership displayed by Colonel Lynch reflects great 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 Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Silver Star to Colonel (Infantry) John Matthew Lynch (ASN: 0-20377), United States Army, for gallantry in action as Commanding Officer of the 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 10 October 1951 in the vicinity of Mundung-ni, Korea. On this date the 1st Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, had encountered heavy resistance from hostile forces which inflicted numerous casualties upon friendly troops and halted the advance of the leading elements. Although point blank mortar fire from commanding hostile positions proceeded to hamper the command post, Colonel Lynch immediately joined the battalion staff. In order to more fully view the situation, he braved the hostile fire and openly walked around the shelled area obtaining vital information and offering words of encouragement to his men. Despite the fact that enemy sniper fire continuously endangered his life, Colonel Lynch refused to leave the hill and remained until the hostile strongholds had been secured. His inspiring leadership and confident manner were the prime factors in rallying the men to hold against great odds. The gallantry in action and devotion to duty displayed by Colonel Lynch on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.