The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant John Francis Mitchell (MCSN: 0-44003), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Executive Officer of Headquarters and Service Company, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces on a hill in the vicinity of Yudam-ni, Korea, on 27 November 1950. With several sectors of his company’s defensive position overrun when a numerically superior hostile force suddenly attacked with small arms, automatic weapons and mortars, First Lieutenant Mitchell hastily organized and led a hand grenade assault against the infiltrating enemy. Painfully wounded and driven back by the outnumbering force, he refused to be evacuated and, quickly reorganizing his men, led them in a second attempt to overcome the onslaught. Exposing himself to the direct fire, he crawled to an advantageous position for another grenade attack and, using his left arm, hurled his missiles with deadly accuracy to assist in the infliction of heavy losses among the aggressors and contribute to the success of his company in regaining its objective. By his aggressive and determined leadership, daring combat tactics and cool courage in the face of extreme odds, First Lieutenant Mitchell served as an inspiration to all the men of his command and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.