The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant John Jackson Bissell, Jr. (MCSN: 0-54261), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Platoon Commander of Company H, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), during operations against enemy aggressor forces in Korea from 13 to 15 August 1952. Although wounded while the company was defending a portion of a strategic hill position against a fanatical enemy force, Second Lieutenant Bissell courageously exposed himself to intense enemy sniper, mortar and artillery fire to check his sector, care for the wounded, repair weapons, and, on occasions, to act as a stretcher bearer in evacuating casualties. Repeatedly carrying critical supplies of ammunition, food and water to his men, he continued to move about his unit during the enemy attacks to direct fire and lend words of encouragement. After the hostile attacks had subsided, he led a party of men forward of friendly lines to search enemy dead for intelligence information although subjected to hostile mortar and artillery fire. By his exceptional courage, outstanding leadership and coolness under fire, Second Lieutenant Bissell served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Second LieutenantBatallion:
3d BattalionRegiment:
7th MarinesDivision:
1st Marine Division (Rein.)Action Date:
October 6 – 7, 1952
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant John Jackson Bissell, Jr. (MCSN: 0-54261), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Platoon Commander of Company H, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on the night of 6 – 7 October 1952. When a friendly outpost position far forward of the main line of resistance was subjected to a devastating mortar and artillery barrage, followed by an attack by an overwhelming enemy force which overran and seized the outpost, Second Lieutenant Bissell immediately organized two squads and fearlessly led his men through a murderous hail of enemy artillery and mortar fire to assault the position. With his unit sustaining numerous casualties from the heavy fire, he skillfully assisted in their evacuation and, observing a wounded Marine lying in a completely exposed area, unhesitatingly proceeded to the side of the stricken man. Mortally wounded while moving to the aid of his comrade, Second Lieutenant Bissell, by his outstanding courage, resourceful initiative and selfless efforts in behalf of another, served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.