The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Fourth Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fifth Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) John Thomas Corley (ASN: 0-21325), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Commanding Officer of the 3d Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in the vicinity of Jungersdorf, Germany, on 27 November 1944. Repeatedly moving to the head of his attacking forces during a fierce engagement with the enemy, Colonel Corley, despite intense machine gun and small arms fire, aggressively led his battalion against a numerically superior and strongly entrenched foe and compelled the Germans to abandon a strategically important objective. Colonel Corley’s gallantry and tactical skill were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) John Thomas Corley (ASN: 0-21325), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Commanding Officer of the 3d Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in the vicinity of Ste. Anne, Normandy, France, on 9 June 1944. When a flank element of his battalion was overrun by German infantry and armor, Colonel Corley fearlessly proceeded to the vulnerable area and, by his personal bravery and determination, encouraged the troops to resist further penetration of our lines. After checking the enemy onslaught, Colonel Corley seized the offensive and, repeatedly risking his life to more advantageously maneuver personnel and weapons, assaulted and routed the hostile forces. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Lieutenant Colonel Corley, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) John Thomas Corley (ASN: 0-21325), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Executive Officer of the 3d Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in the vicinity of Ferme Combier, Algeria, on 10 November 1942. although subjected to direct small arms fire, Colonel Corley, on his own initiative, made extensive reconnaissance to locate observation points for our artillery observers. His keen tactical judgment and fearlessness materially assisted in the defeat of the enemy. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Lieutenant Colonel Corley, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) John Thomas Corley (ASN: 0-21325), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Commanding Officer of the 3d Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in the vicinity of Aachen, Germany, on 18 October 1944. Given the important mission of neutralizing several enemy strongpoints, Colonel Corley personally reconnoitered the designated structures, guided self-propelled artillery and tanks to strategic locations and, from a position vulnerable to intense fire, directed systematic and complete destruction of the objectives. Colonel Corley’s brilliant leadership and inspiring gallantry reflect great credit upon the Armed Forces of the United States.