The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class John T. Curley (MCSN: 1331353), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as an Automatic Rifleman of Company C, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on the night of 26 – 27 March 1953. When his unit was pinned down by devastating hostile fire during a counterattack on a vital enemy-held outpost position, Private First Class Curley unhesitatingly raced to the forward elements to assist in gaining fire superiority over the enemy. Although his ammunition was exhausted several times, he quickly obtained new supplies from his wounded comrades and, during a period of five and one half hours, fearlessly exposed himself to intense enemy fire to deliver accurate fire upon the enemy. When his unit was relieved from the action, he remained to assist in the evacuation of the wounded and refused to leave the area until assured that all of his comrades had been removed to safety, withdrawing from the scene in the rear guard to cover the unit with his weapon. By his aggressive fighting spirit, courageous initiative and selfless devotion to duty, Private First Class Curley served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.