The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant John O. Henry (MCSN: 1043046), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Machine Gun Section Leader of Weapons Company, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 27 November 1950. When the company was attacked by a large enemy force during the hours of darkness, Sergeant Henry, exposing himself to intense hostile automatic weapons, hand grenade and small arms fire, moved from one position to another to encourage his men and direct their fire. As the enemy approached within a few yards of his guns, he bravely remained in exposed positions to drive them back, effectively employing hand grenades and his rifle. Throughout the night-long attack, he refused to seek safety for himself and continued to direct the defense of his sector, ultimately routing the hostile force with heavy losses. By his outstanding courage, indomitable fighting spirit and resolute determination, Sergeant Henry aided immeasurably in the successful defense of the strategic ground and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.