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 First Class John E. McCoy (ASN: RA-7030551), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company F, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 1 September 1950 in the vicinity of Am -Sin, Korea. On this date he was a platoon sergeant in a rifle company which was defending its position from an assault by a numerically superior enemy force. With complete disregard for his personal safety and although painfully wounded, he dragged himself from position to position while under intense enemy machine gun and small arms fire and redistributed ammunition within his platoon. He repeatedly refused medical aid and insisted that other wounded be attended first. In the final onslaught when his position was overrun he single-handedly covered the withdrawal of his platoon by fire. When last seen he was still in his position, firing at the onrushing enemy. Through his gallant stand he saved the lives of his comrades and was instrumental in securing the positions of his battalion from a major enemy breakthrough. The inspirational and gallant actions of Sergeant McCoy on this occasion reflect great credit upon himself and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.