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 First Class John S. Powell (ASN: RA-6819820), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a member of the Heavy Mortar Company, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division in Korea. On 24 July 1950, when the 27th Infantry was attacked by a numerically superior enemy force in the vicinity of Sanyang, Korea, Sergeant First Class Powell was forced to withdraw form his post as forward observer. Realizing the importance of the post, he organized a group of men in an attempt to regain the position, and, in the ensuing action, although he was seriously wounded, he refused medical aid and continued to fire into the enemy position. Only after all available ammunition had been expended and he had lost consciousness, was it possible to evacuate him. Sergeant First Class Powell’s selfless devotion to duty and inspired leadership were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.