The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal John Denis O’Connor, Jr. (ASN: RA-12366556), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company M, 3d Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On the afternoon of 14 August 1952, Corporal O’Connor was with the members of his forward observer team, in the vicinity of Chuo-dong, Korea, seeking shelter in a bunker from an intense enemy mortar barrage, when a hostile round struck the fortification and wounded a member of the team that was seeking safety within the bunker. Corporal O’Connor realizing that the casualty needed immediate medical attention, unhesitatingly and with complete disregard for his personal safety, ignored the devastating enemy fire and fearlessly dashed from the stricken bunker, in search of a medical aid man. While he was racing across the shrapnel torn terrain, he was momentarily stunned by an enemy round exploding a few yards from him, but undaunted, he quickly regained his composure and continued on his mission of mercy until he sustained mortal wounds from an exploding hostile mortar round. Corporal O’Connor’s conspicuous gallantry, intrepid actions, and display of untiring devotion to duty in selflessly attempting to save the life of another soldier reflect the highest credit upon himself and the military service.