The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant John W. Wallace (MCSN: 814688), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Machine Gun Section Leader of Company B, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 3 December 1950. Unable to utilize his machine guns due to the terrain and the proximity of friendly troops, Sergeant Wallace skillfully organized his unit and courageously led his men up a steep hill to relieve the pressure on assaulting elements pinned down by fierce enemy fire. Surprising the hostile troops, he initiated a vigorous attack with grenades and close range small arms fire and personally accounted for five enemy dead, completely routing the attackers and overrunning the objective. By his outstanding bravery, aggressive fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty, Sergeant Wallace served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.