The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Hospitalman John S. Wood (NSN: 3475991), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with a Marine Tank Platoon in support of a Marine Infantry Battalion of the FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces at Hagaru-ri, Korea, on 1 December 1950. When positions on a ridge of the southern perimeter, held by a United States Army Engineer Company, had been overrun by the enemy, Hospitalman Wood proceeded forward with Marine elements to recapture a portion of the ridge and volunteered to assist in the care and evacuation of the wounded of the United States Army Engineer Company, who had occupied this position. While exposed to direct enemy observation and small arms fire, he, with a high degree of courage and skill, moved from man to man to administer first aid. During this period he administered first aid to at least thirty casualties. On several occasions he covered the bodies of the casualties at the risk of his own life to protect them from small arms fire and flying grenade fragments, and on one occasion while protecting a casualty was wounded by grenade fragments in the face. Although painfully wounded about the head and face, and suffering from severely frostbitten feet, he courageously refused to be evacuated and remained with the unit until it was withdrawn. Hospitalman Wood’s heroic actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.