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 Molanick (ASN: ER-52033118), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company E, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 16 May 1951, in the vicinity of Umidong, Korea. On that date Corporal Molanick’s platoon had the mission to seize and secure a high ridge. The enemy had already overrun a high portion of the hill, when Corporal Molanick left his rear position and led a fierce bayonet charge against the enemy. When this assault failed to secure the objective, Corporal Molanick with utter disregard for his own safety crawled to an exposed position near the crest of the hill. There he courageously exposed himself to enemy machine gun fire, as he threw hand grenades in the enemy emplacement. Thrown into panic by this daring act of Corporal Molanick, the enemy beat a hasty retreat, whereupon the platoon resumed its advance and firmly secured the hill. The gallantry displayed by Corporal Molanick reflects great credit upon himself and upholds the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.