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 Sergeant John J. Pulliam (ASN: RA-13291347), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company A, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 17 March 1953 in the vicinity of Ansa-Dong, North Korea. On that date, Sergeant Pulliam was leading two squads with the mission of retaking enemy held bunkers on “LITTLE GIBRALTAR”. Upon approaching the objective, they were met by fierce machine gun fire from one of the enemy’s positions. Realizing the enemy position must be silenced in order to accomplish their mission, and despite the intense small arms fire, Sergeant Pulliam rushed forward alone, charging the machine gun bunker. With complete disregard for personal safety, he crossed the fire swept terrain, firing his own weapon into the enemy position, and upon reaching the bunker, effectively neutralized the position with grenades. One of the foe tried to escape over the hill, but Sergeant Pulliam followed him and killed him with his weapon. With the key enemy position silenced, friendly forces were then able to clear the remaining enemy held positions. While helping to secure the area, Sergeant Pulliam was mortally wounded by enemy shell fire. The gallantry in action exhibited by Sergeant Pulliam on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.