The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry), [then First Lieutenant] John H. Newell (ASN: 0-38420), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company L, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 16 September 1950 near Changnyong, Korea. On that date his company was attacking enemy positions along the Naktong River. Captain Newell, leader of the weapons platoon, directed the fire of his mortars in close support of the attacking elements. While displacing forward, a section of his mortars was attacked from the rear by a small group of enemy. He aggressively launched a counterattack, amidst intense automatic weapons and grenade fire, and eliminated the entire group of enemy. When his wire line to the company commander was severed by enemy fire, he continued to lead his section and place it in positions from which it could support a rifle platoon which was engaged in flanking the enemy. His gallant performance during this engagement was instrumental in the success of his company seizing its objective and prevented serious casualties to the assault platoons. The gallantry and skillful leadership displayed by Captain Newell reflect the highest credit upon himself are in keeping with the fine traditions of the military service.