The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Field Artillery) John B. Stephens (ASN: 0-452936), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters, 58th Armored Field Artillery Battalion, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 7 November 1950, near Yonghung, Korea, Captain Stephens was in command of a relief column rushing to the aid of a beleaguered friendly force. Although the enemy was raking all the avenues of approach with incessant small arms fire, Captain Stephens led the column across a long bridge and to a position of cover near the beleaguered force. He went forward on foot through an area subjected to heavy small arms fire and illuminated by exploding ammunition and burning vehicles, searched for and found a safe route. He returned and led the patrol over the route he had reconnoitered. Captain Stephens then organized and assisted in a search for the wounded and the dead. Captain Stephens personally led two wounded men through a hail of small arms fire to a place of safety. The military skill, leadership, and courage of Captain Stephens reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.