The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) John C. Barronton (ASN: 0-1331254), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a member of Company I, 3d Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, in action on 10 July 1950 at Chonui, Korea. During the first phase of an attack by his company, Lieutenant Barronton, the Company Commander, was wounded in the left hand. Upon arrival in a small village about 1,000 yards south of the objective, the company began to receive heavy small arms and automatic weapons fire which held up the advance of the company. Lieutenant Barronton led his company forward under enemy small arms fire to the objective where he again placed his men and weapons in position. It was not until after this was completed that Lieutenant Barronton took time to have his wound attended. Later in the day a counterattack was made on Lieutenant Barronton’s company. He was wounded three times but until he was evacuated about one and one half hours later, he successfully directed the operation of his unit from a litter. This outstanding example of leadership and courage on the part of Lieutenant Barronton reflects the highest possible credit on himself and the military service.