The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain John J. Zulkofske (MCSN: 0-32525), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of Company H, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 25 July 1953. With his company in the process of relieving a unit occupying a sector of the main line of resistance when a strong enemy force attacked and occupied approximately three hundred yards of trench line in the center of the position, Captain Zulkofske dauntlessly moved to the endangered area in the face of a heavy enemy mortar and artillery barrage. Organizing elements of two rifle platoons, he fearlessly led them through intense hostile bombardments in two attempts to retake the position. Although painfully wounded, he reorganized his forces and, spearheading a third attack, succeeded in routing the enemy from the position and restoring the main line of resistance, personally killing one of the enemy and wounding another. By his indomitable fighting spirit, courageous leadership and unwavering devotion to duty, Captain Zulkofske served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.