The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant John J. Peeler (MCSN: 0-54010), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as an Outpost Commander of Company I, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 27 – 28 March 1953. When the outpost was subjected to intense hostile artillery, mortar and machine gun fire and attacked by enemy troops, First Lieutenant Peeler exposed himself to persistent hostile small arms fire to organize and lead the defense and, at the same time, delivered accurate fire upon the enemy in an attempt to repel the attack. When the overwhelming hostile force secured a portion of the outpost and attempted to move over the crest, he directed his own men to shelter and called down friendly artillery fire on the position. Following the artillery barrage, he personally led a fire team over the crest in the face of heavy enemy hand grenade and small arms fire and, although painfully wounded during the assault, continued the attack, routing the enemy from their captured positions. Refusing medical attention for his own wounds, he skillfully organized the defense and effected the speedy evacuation of all casualties before allowing himself to be moved to the rear. By his outstanding courage, forceful leadership and steadfast devotion to duty, First Lieutenant Peeler 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:
First LieutenantBatallion:
3d BattalionRegiment:
1st MarinesDivision:
1st Marine Division (Rein.)Action Date:
July 24 – 25, 1953
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to First Lieutenant John J. Peeler (MCSN: 0-54010), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Executive Officer of Company I, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on the night of 24 – 25 July 1953. When his company was assigned the mission of reinforcing another company which was under heavy enemy attack on an advanced outpost well forward of the main line of resistance, First Lieutenant Peeler repeatedly exposed himself to the withering barrage of mortar and artillery fire as he led his men through the darkness over unfamiliar terrain to the new position. With both companies depleted by numerous casualties, he immediately organized and led groups of Marines from the two companies in a series of local counterattacks, driving the enemy from friendly positions and personally accounting for a number of enemy casualties. In addition, he directed the re-supply of ammunition and medical supplies to the forward positions, organized and directed stretcher details and expedited the evacuation of the wounded. On occasion, he deliberately exposed himself to hostile small arms fire in order to locate enemy troops who were attempting last stands. By his forceful leadership and great personal valor in the face of a numerically superior enemy, First Lieutenant Peeler was directly instrumental in repulsing the hostile forces and in restoring the company’s lines. His inspiring actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.