The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant John Finnigan, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with Headquarters Battery, 15th Anti-Aircraft Artillery (Automatic Weapons) Battalion (Self Propelled), 7th Infantry Division, attached to Company C, 31st Infantry Regiment, in action near Naedong, Korea, on 2 November 1951. On that date, Sergeant Finnigan was attempting to maneuver his half-track to within close proximity of a combat patrol which was engaged in a firefight with the enemy when a call for litters reached him. Immediately, he secured the litters and made his way on foot through a hail of enemy small arms, automatic weapons, and mortar fire to reach the medical Aidmen. Leaving the litters with the Aidmen, he began maneuvering so as to draw the enemy fire from the wounded men’s area. With complete disregard for his personal safety, he continuously exposed himself to the concentrated enemy fire and engaged the hostile force in a heavy firefight and succeeded in lifting the enemy’s fire from the casualties. The quick thinking and intrepid actions of Sergeant Finnigan enabled the medial Aidmen to successfully evacuate 15 men from the dangerously exposed area. His gallant actions and selfless 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, his unit, and the United States Army.