The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant John J. Cousans (MCSN: 369806), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Platoon Sergeant of Company C, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 28 May 1951. When his unit was suddenly subjected to devastating enemy small arms and grenade fire from a large bunker while he was moving with the platoon in an attack against a series of hostile strong points, Sergeant Cousans quickly gathered hand grenades from the men nearby and bravely charged forward through the heavy fire in a single-handed assault. Hurling the grenades through the apertures of the enemy bunker, he completely neutralized the hostile emplacement, enabling the platoon to advance and seize its objective. By his exceptional courage, daring initiative and aggressive fighting spirit, Sergeant Cousans served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.