The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star (Army Award) to Private First Class John A. Martz (MCSN: 1079320), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with a Marine Rifle Company of the Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor near Hamhung, Korea, on 3 November 1950. As an Automatic Rifleman in a rifle squad, Private First Class Martz was defending a sector of his squad’s position against a fierce enemy attack shortly after midnight when he was painfully wounded in the neck and face. Refusing to be evacuated Private First Class Martz continued to defend his position and killed six of the enemy before his weapon jammed. He then sought the aid of his platoon sergeant for help in clearing the weapon. It was hopelessly jammed however and no other weapon was available, but Private First Class Martz attempted to return to his former position without a weapon and it was necessary to forcibly restrain and evacuate him because of his wound. The example of courage and tenacity set by Private First Class Martz greatly encouraged the other men of his unit to successfully repel the enemy attack. Private First Class Martz’s heroic action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.