The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Captain John Carlton Shelnutt (MCSN: 0-16535), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commander of the Defense Forces at Hagaru-ri, Korea, while attached to Weapons Company, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 28 and 29 November 1950. When his company was attacked by a determined, numerically superior hostile force employing automatic weapons, mortars and hand grenades, Captain Shelnutt repeatedly exposed himself to the heavy enemy fire to move among his men, directing their fire and shouting words of encouragement. As the hostile attack increased in intensity, he remained in an unprotected position and continued to point out targets until he was fatally wounded by hostile mortar fire. By his courageous actions, he served to inspire his men to heroic endeavor toward repulsing the enemy attack and retaining possession of a vital defensive position. His outstanding leadership, cool courage and steadfast devotion to duty throughout reflect the highest credit upon Captain Shelnutt and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.