The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class John H. Baldwin (MCSN: 1155294), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while attached to Weapons Company, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), and serving as a Flamethrower of Company G, in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 16 December 1952. With his platoon engaged in a night raid on a strongly defended enemy hill position forward of the main line of resistance, Private First Class Baldwin braved a deadly hail of enemy small arms and grenade fire and fearlessly advanced to a position on the edge of the hostile trenches, pouring killing flame onto a group of onrushing troops. Although painfully wounded, he unhesitatingly moved to another area and, with his body and clothing saturated by napalm from the damaged flamethrower, steadfastly continued to deliver fire until his supply was exhausted, inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy force. By his marked fortitude, aggressive fighting spirit and courageous initiative, Private First Class Baldwin served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.