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 John L. Overland (ASN: RA-57312069), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company B, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 13 February 1951, near Suso-ri, Korea, a platoon of Company B, 1st Battalion, moving forward to relieve another unit from a commanding ridge, received intense and heavy enemy fire. Sergeant Overland quickly placed his machine gun in action on the spot which afforded meager cover and commenced returning the enemy fire. Heedless of the danger involved, he continued to place heavy and accurate fire on the enemy until his ammunition supply was exhausted. Leaving another soldier to guard his gun, he crossed open terrain a distance of approximately three hundred yards to procure more ammunition and, in doing so, was wounded. Disregarding his painful wound, he re-supplied himself with ammunition and returned to his machine gun, once more delivering effective fire upon the enemy. The enemy concentrated his firepower on Sergeant Overland’s position and severely wounded him. With grim determination he continued to fire at the enemy until loss of blood forced his withdrawal to the aid station. The exceptional gallantry and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Overland reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.