The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star (Army Award) to Chief Pharmacist’s Mate John X. Balog (NSN: 2070748), United States Navy, for gallantry in action in the Mindanao Sea, Philippine Islands, on the night of 8 – 9 April 1942. When two vessels of Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron THREE encountered an enemy cruiser in the presence of hostile vessels, this man participated in a daring and successful night torpedo attack on the enemy cruiser, performing his duties gallantly in spite of great odds and under heavy enemy fire. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, 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 Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star (Army Award) to Chief Pharmacist’s Mate John X. Balog (NSN: 2070748), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving as a Medical Corpsman with Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron THREE (MTB-3), from 11 to 13 March 1942, in the Philippine Islands during a extraordinary action in a retrograde maneuver involving General Douglas MacArthur. With marked skill and coolness, Chief Pharmacist’s Mate Balog performed this mission of major strategic importance and of a most hazardous nature in the face of greatly superior enemy forces. His conduct throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Military Forces of the United States.