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 Thomas Wells, III (ASN: 0-26911), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, X Corps, in action against the enemy in Korea, from 25 May to 1 June 1951. Traveling by small native craft through heavily mined water, Captain Wells, as officer-in-charge of a confidential intelligence mission, established a base some sixty miles behind enemy lines on the east coast of Korea. This mission furnished the United Nations Forces with information otherwise unattainable. Captain Wells continually exposed himself to possible enemy action in order to obtain vitally needed information regarding enemy troop concentrations, movements, and supply installations. In addition, he established an agent net of informants in the enemy rear area. On 1 June 1951, while attempting to communicate intelligence obtained to a United Nations vessel passing off the coast, it was necessary for him to scale a cliff to reach high ground to signal the ship. During the ascent, the ground gave way and Captain Wells fell seventy feet to the rocks below. Death was instantaneous. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Wells, 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.