The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class John J. McGaffigan (MCSN: 1112811), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a member of the Anti-tank Company, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 6 December 1950. With the leading assault infantry company halted by fire from a numerically superior hostile force employing small arms, automatic weapons and mortars during its movement from Hagaru-ri to Koto-ri, Private First Class McGaffigan quickly responded to order to deliver fire on the attackers and clear the way for the advance. Upon learning the several casualties were in need of aid, he voluntarily left the comparative safety of his vehicle and, exposing himself to direct fire, carried the wounded men back and held them on the body of the tank while the driver moved it to an area out of the range of the enemy fire. By his daring imitative, courageous and determined efforts and grave concern for others at great personal risk, Private First Class McGaffigan was directly instrumental in saving the lives of the stricken Marines, and his heroic actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.