The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel John E. Gorman (MCSN: 0-7562), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea from 16 to 19 September 1951. Assuming command of the battalion during the course of an attack against a series of fiercely defended enemy hill positions, Lieutenant Colonel Gorman skillfully coordinated the units under his command during the ensuing battle. Braving devastating hostile artillery, mortar, automatic weapons and small arms fire, he expertly directed the attack from forward observation posts and, after seizing the objective, effectively supervised the establishment of a strong defense line. By his outstanding leadership, marked courage and unswerving devotion to duty, Lieutenant Colonel Gorman served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.