The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal John E. McLaughlin, Jr. (ASN: RA-12247586), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of the 25th Military Police Company, 25th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. While on patrol duty on 16 August 1950, near Chindong-ni, Korea, Corporal McLaughlin encountered an enemy roadblock on the main supply route. Without hesitation, he commandeered a 2 1/2 ton truck in the area, directed the .50 caliber machine gun on the roadblock and instructed the gunner. Then directing another soldier to one flank, he moved in from the other although the enemy had by that time opened fire with automatic weapons. He coordinated counter fire on the roadblock, killed five of the enemy and set the other ten to flight. Corporal McLaughlin’s valorous leadership and notable soldierly ability made possible re-opening of the supply route and reflects great credit upon himself and upholds the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.