The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Master Sergeant [then Sergeant] John P. Pappas (ASN: RA-35999845), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Clearing Company, 2d Medical Battalion, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 23 December 1950, in the vicinity of Sinbul-san, Korea. On that date Sergeant Pappas was attached to a unit of the Republic of Korea Army. The unit was assigned the mission of destroying an enemy guerilla band disrupting the main supply route from Pusan northward. During the attack the commanding officer was killed, causing disorganization among the men. Sergeant Pappas, with complete disregard for his own safety, exposed himself to intense enemy small arms and automatic weapons fire to reorganize the unit to lead the attack in a successful completion of the mission. Through intense enemy fire, Sergeant Pappas moved about directing medical care and the evacuation of the wounded. The gallantry displayed by Sergeant Pappas reflects great credit upon himself and upholds the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.