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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Captain (Infantry) John T. Monaghan (0-38455), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. Captain Monaghan distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Taejon-ni, Korea, on 24 April 1951. On that date, Captain Monaghan’s company, occupying defensive positions, was suddenly attacked and encircled by an overwhelming enemy force. Despite the heavy volume of fire pouring into the area, Captain Monaghan constantly moved about the perimeter, encouraging his men and supplementing their fire with his own weapons. When an enemy machine-gun began to fire at the position from a distance no greater than forty yards, he single-handedly rushed the emplacement in the face of the intense fire and destroyed it with grenade and rifle fire. Given permission to move his men at his own discretion, Captain Monaghan then ordered all platoons to prepare to withdraw and, keeping complete control of the unit, led them to safety through the surrounding enemy’s lines. The courage, indomitable fortitude, and inspiring leadership displayed by Captain Monaghan reflect the highest credit on himself and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    7th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    April 6, 1951
    Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 205 (1951)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) John T. Monaghan (0-38455), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company E, 2d Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 6 April 1951, near Taejon-ni, Korea, when a report was received that a patrol from Company E had been pinned down by intense enemy mortar, machine gun, and small arms fire, Captain Monaghan alerted a platoon and made preparations to move to the relief of the beleaguered patrol. Directing a tank section to move forward along a route parallel to that taken by the patrol, he personally accompanied the infantry elements on foot over the hazardous route. After proceeding a short distance, the platoon encountered heavy enemy mortar fire and several casualties were sustained. Instructing the aid men and litter bearers to care for and evacuate the wounded, Captain Monaghan skillfully maneuvered the remainder of the platoon through withering enemy fire and deployed his troops into positions which would afford cover for the patrol’s withdrawal. Upon receiving a message from the patrol requesting that tanks be dispatched to aid in the removal of a seriously injured infantryman, Captain Monaghan ran through intense enemy fire across open ground, forded a stream, and boarded the lead tank. While he stood exposed in the open turret firing a machine gun, Captain Monaghan directed the tank to the patrol’s position and, although wounded in the right hand by shrapnel, he covered the patrol as it withdrew to the protection of the tank. During the subsequent withdrawal the tank hit a mine, injuring an infantryman. After supervising the destruction of the tank’s armament and communication system, Captain Monaghan voluntarily remained behind, concentrating machine gun fire on the enemy positions until all of the infantrymen and the tank crew withdrew to the safety of another tank. Captain Monaghan’s outstanding gallantry, courage, and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and exemplify the high traditions of the military service.