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 Private First Class John Joseph McGinty (ASN: RA-13267533), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company B, 1st Battalion, 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, in action near the Kum River, Korea, on 16 July 1950. His company was withdrawing from the Kum River as the result of fanatic attacks by overwhelming numbers of the enemy. Disregarding his own safety he volunteered to remain behind to cover an attempt to evacuate the company’s vehicles. Exposed to the full fury of the enemy’s fire he continued to service his machine gun until it was put out of action by enemy fire. Running to the nearest vehicle he located an automatic weapon and fired point blank into the ranks of the pursuing enemy, inflicting many casualties. In this action he was wounded. In spite of his wound he continued his effective fire until he was killed by the enemy’s fire. Private McGinty’s fearless action and unselfish devotion to duty reflect the greatest credit on himself and the United States Infantry.