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 W. Robbins (ASN: RA-38132178), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company C, 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy near Chonan, Korea, on 5 July 1950. During an attack by a large enemy force he noticed that a machine gun in his position was not being fired. He took over the machine gun and started firing it. He delivered a large volume of accurate and effective fire on the enemy as they approached his position. As the enemy assault progressed toward his position he continued to operate the machine gun. He was ordered to withdraw to a position 200 yards to the rear and cover the withdrawal of Company B. He again set up the machine gun and delivered such effective fire as to inflict heavy casualties on the enemy thereby enabling Company B to withdraw and set up in their new positions. The enemy assault continued to the new position where Sergeant Robbins was and at this time he saw that his position was going to be overrun. He destroyed the machine gun and joined its organization. During this action Sergeant Robbins was under intense small arms, machine gun, and mortar fire. This conspicuous act of gallantry on the part of Sergeant Robbins reflects great credit on himself and the military service.