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 Godfrey Stepanek (ASN: RA-37418423), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of the 24th Reconnaissance Company, 24th Infantry Division, in action on 19 July 1950 near Taejon, Korea. The scout section under the command of Sergeant First Class Stepanek was protection the left flank of the company during its withdrawal when the order was given for scout section to withdraw. He ordered the section to withdraw and he remained with four men who had been wounded. With disregard for his own safety, and under heavy artillery and automatic weapons fire, he obtained a Jeep to evacuate them. After the company had withdrawn, and the wounded evacuated, he remained in the area searching for the wounded until a tank was sent out to bring him back to the unit. The act of gallantry displayed by Sergeant First Class Stepanek reflects great credit on himself and the military service.