The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) John A. McConnell (ASN: 0-246796), United States Army, for gallantry in action as Commanding Officer of the 3d Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy near Hung-hae, Korea, on 4 September 1950. During his battalion’s attack against strong enemy hilltop positions, Company K was held up by intense fire and sustained numerous casualties, threatening the success of the entire attack. With utter disregard for his own safety he moved unhesitantly under heavy mortar and automatic weapons fire to an exposed position in order to better direct his command’s activities. From his own observation he redeployed Company K and personally directed its successful assault. His courageous example was an inspiration to his command and reflect the greatest credit on himself and the United States Infantry.