The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) John A. Mitchell (ASN: 0-2211881), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company F, 2d Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On the night of 24 April and during the early morning hours of 25 April 1953, in the vicinity of Surang-ni, Korea, Company F was defending strategically valuable Outpost “Harry” against a numerically superior enemy attacking force. During the action, Lieutenant Mitchell, Company Commander, constantly moved from position to position, making certain that his troops were afforded maximum protection from the heavy artillery and mortar barrage accompanying the assault. In the first phase of the battle, he was seriously wounded by the enemy artillery fire but, despite his wounds, rallied his troops and led an aggressive counterattack before the enemy was able to gain the crest of the hill. Although wounded a second time by an enemy grenade, he continued to direct his men until the enemy was decisively driven from the position. Considerably weakened by his wounds, Lieutenant Mitchell courageously remained on the outpost and refused medical aid until all casualties had been removed from the hill. Lieutenant Mitchell’s outstanding heroism and devotion to duty reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.