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 Pearce (ASN: RA-32271082), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Medium Tank Company, 5th Regimental Combat Team, 24th Infantry Division, in action near Kumchon, Korea, on 22 September 1950. During an attack, the infantry, which he was supporting, was halted by intense small arms fire. Moving his tank into the lead, when the platoon leader’s tank was hit, he remained in a forward and exposed position during the entire night. Enemy troops crept to within four feet of his tank in an effort to destroy it, but disregarding his own safety he remained outside the turret, firing his pistol and throwing grenades until he had destroyed six of the enemy and routed the remainder. During the gallant action Sergeant Pearce was wounded, but tenaciously remained in his position until daylight when enemy action subsided. His fearless actions reflect the greatest credit on himself and the United States Armor.