The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant John E. Hoffman (MCSN: 652991), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Mortar Section Leader of Company G, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 3 November 1952. When the company position was subjected to a heavy enemy mortar concentration, which destroyed a mortar and set fire to a supply of ammunition, Staff Sergeant Hoffman unhesitatingly entered the danger area and carried out flaming rounds of ammunition to reduce the danger of an explosion, thereby preventing probable casualties among his comrades and conserving vital ammunition. Painfully burned while engaged in this heroic act, Staff Sergeant Hoffman, by his daring initiative, cool courage and resolute determination in the face of grave personal risk, served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.