(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 (Infantry) John Joseph Vallaster, Jr., United States Army, for gallantry in action as Commanding Officer of Company A, 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry (Infantry) Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, in action against the enemy near Ochon-ni, Korea, on 4 February 1951. On that date the lead elements of the company were forced back by an intense concentration of enemy small arms, machine gun and hand grenade fire. Although wounded by a grenade, Captain Vallaster refused to be evacuated and remained in front of his men, directing their fire. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Vallaster, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.