The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class [then Private] Jack Neelon (ASN: US-56145162), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company H, (attached to Company G), 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 11 October 1951 in the vicinity of Mundong-ni, Korea. On that date Private Neelon, an ammunition bearer, was attached to a unit which was assaulting a well-entrenched and determined hostile force. The intense enemy fire inflicted numerous casualties upon the attacking units and it became necessary for Private Neelon to operate a machine gun. He observed that the heavy hostile fire had pinned down his unit and the numerically superior enemy forces were counterattacking. Without hesitating and undaunted by the risk involved, he moved his weapon to an exposed position and commenced firing. Although under direct enemy observation and fire, he employed such continuous and effective fire upon hostile forces that they were forced to abandon their mission. His courageous action was directly responsible for the success of his unit on this occasion. The gallantry in action displayed by Private Neelon reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.