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 First Class John W. Steele (ASN: RA-34100759), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company K, 3d Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on the morning of 11 July 1950 near Chochiwon, Korea. Sergeant Steele was the weapons platoon sergeant of Company K and as such was inspecting platoon positions when the enemy attacked from the left flank. The position was held until the enemy further flanked and set up four machineguns and began inflicting heavy casualties on Company K. The order to withdraw came and even though Sergeant Steele realized it meant death he calmly walked through his platoon positions while under automatic weapons, rifle and mortar fire encouraging, directing and assisting his men in the withdrawal. In this effort Sergeant Steele was killed. His actions reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.