The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant First Class John Joseph Nejman (ASN: RA-13163558), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company G, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 10 September 1950 in the vicinity of Poncho, Korea. Sergeant Nejman, a forward observer for the company’s 60-mm. mortars, had accompanied a rifle platoon which had seized a hill approximately 500 yards to the company’s front. The enemy immediately launched a strong counterattack supported by heavy concentrations of artillery and mortar fire. The platoon’s position soon became untenable and a withdrawal was ordered. During the withdrawal Sergeant Nejman observed a large enemy force moving toward the platoon’s right flank with the intention of cutting off their withdrawal. Picking up a wounded comrade’s machine gun he moved to a position on the hill from which he was able to open fire upon the enemy. From this exposed position, and displaying complete disregard for his personal safety, he directed such devastating machine gun fire upon the enemy that he stopped their advance killing or wounding 15 enemy soldiers. His intrepid action enabled his platoon to withdraw to their company’s position with a minimum of casualties. The gallantry displayed on this occasion by Sergeant Nejman reflects great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.