The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel John F. Kinney (MCSN: 0-5863), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of Marine Fighter Squadron THREE HUNDRED ELEVEN (VMF-311), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea from 10 March to 27 July 1951. Responsible for welding his squadron into an efficient fighting team to provide air support for friendly forces, Lieutenant Colonel Kinney personally led strikes on enemy positions and, despite intense hostile ground fire, hazardous terrain and adverse weather conditions, aided his squadron in the infliction of destruction on the enemy. Spearheading a sixteen-plane attack on the hostile stronghold of Hyon-ni, he skillfully fought his plane in the face of enemy anti-aircraft fire and assisted in destroying five anti-aircraft guns and in damaging four others. His outstanding leadership, courage and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of personnel and logistical difficulties served to inspire his squadron in successfully completing its mission and reflect great credit upon Lieutenant Colonel Kinney and the United States Naval Service.