The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Colonel (Field Artillery), [then Lieutenant Colonel] John V. Roddy (ASN: 0-21356), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 39th Field Artillery Battalion, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On the afternoon of 26 March 1953, Colonel Roddy, Commanding Officer of the 39th Field Artillery Battalion joined elements of the 15th Infantry Regiment who were engaged in occupying a strategically valuable friendly held outpost near Surang-ni, Korea. Shortly after his arrival there, the enemy initiated an intense mortar and artillery barrage against the outpost which seriously threatened the lives of the friendly defenders. Realizing the danger of the existing situation, Colonel Roddy, with complete disregard for his personal well-being, left the comparative safety of his bunker, exposed himself to the devastating enemy barrage and commenced to call in highly effective friendly concentrations upon the foe. He refused to seek a covered position until the barrage which he directed completely silenced the hostile fire. Colonel Roddy’s outstanding heroism and untiring devotion to duty and to his comrades reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.