The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class John W. Ogren (MCSN: 1138130), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Machine Gunner of Company A, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 5 October 1951. When the platoon to which he was attached was suddenly subjected to devastating enemy small arms and automatic weapons fire while engaged in a patrol, Private First Class Ogren immediately put his gun into action and delivered a volume of withering fire upon the hostile strong points. Although his weapon was repeatedly hit by enemy fire and his assistant gunner became a casualty, he continued to operate the gun without assistance and, when his ammunition was expended, skillfully employed his carbine in a brave attempt to contain the hostile force. With his supply of carbine ammunition exhausted, he promptly seized a rifle from a fallen comrade, continued to engage the enemy and, upon being ordered to withdraw, grasped his damaged machine gun and carried it a distance of several hundred yards across open, fire-swept terrain to prevent the weapon from falling into the hands of the hostile force. By his outstanding courage, aggressive fighting spirit and inspiring devotion to duty, Private First Class Ogren upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.