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 Silver Star to Colonel (Infantry), [then Lieutenant Colonel] John Garnett Coughlin (ASN: 0-18898), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 2 September 1950 in the Naktong River Salient, Korea. On 2 September 1950, Colonel Coughlin observed the enemy trying to establish a road block with the intent of cutting off communications between the regiment and one of its battalions. There being no friendly infantry in the vicinity, he assumed command of a tank section and directed the movement of the tanks against the enemy. Colonel Coughlin, realizing that the vision available through the periscope of the leader’s hatch was limited, exposed himself to the heavy small arms, grenade and anti-tank fire to direct his tanks, thereby reducing the road block and reestablishing communications with the battalion without infantry support. The gallantry displayed by Colonel Coughlin on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Colonel (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    38th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    2d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    May 25 – 27, 1951

    Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 142 (June 10, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Colonel (Infantry) John Garnett Coughlin (ASN: 0-18898), United States Army, for gallantry in action as Commanding Officer of the 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy from 25 to 27 May 1951, in the vicinity of Hyon-ni, Korea. The 2d Infantry Division was responsible for counterattacking and cutting off the escape route of three enemy divisions which had penetrated to the east. The 38th Infantry Regiment was to attack northeastward, separating itself from the rest of the division by approximately twenty miles of impassable terrain. Leading his men after the retreating enemy, Colonel Coughlin found that his advanced elements were temporarily held up by a determined and fanatic enemy rear guard. After climbing the hill under heavy enemy fire to survey the situation, he soon found himself engaged in a firefight with a well dug-in enemy. Rallying his riflemen to the attack, Colonel Coughlin, with complete disregard for his own safety, led them as they stormed the hill and drove the enemy to the north. Later he reached a position in the path of his advance occupied by the enemy who opened fire and threw hand grenades at his party. One of the hand grenades exploded so close as to wound Colonel Coughlin in the hand. So inspired were his troops by the actions of their leader that they moved forward aggressively to seize the enemy position and to close in on Hyon-ni. The next day Colonel Coughlin led is forces into Hyon-ni and sealed the enemy’s escape route to the southeast. The gallant conduct, inspiring leadership, and tactical skill displayed by Colonel Coughlin reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Colonel (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    38th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    2d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    May 16 – 25, 1951

    Headquarters, EIGHTH U.S. Army, Korea, General Orders No. 516 (July 5, 1951)

    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 Colonel (Infantry) John Garnett Coughlin (ASN: 0-18898), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Commanding Officer of the 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division. Colonel Coughlin distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces near Kusongpo-ri and Pungam-ni, Korea, during the period from 16 through 25 May 1951. On the night of 16 May 1951, when his regiment was holding an area of the Second Division line, the full force of a major enemy offensive was directed against its position. Colonel Coughlin personally and with outstanding bravery, directed his gallant forces in their stand against overwhelming odds. Displaying fearless leadership, Colonel Coughlin remained with his front line elements constantly for four consecutive days, continually exposing himself to intense hostile mortar, grenade and small-arms fire in order to maintain a completely accurate picture of the situation during this critical period. Under his superb guidance, each wave of the hostile assault was repulsed. When both the commander and the executive officer of his 2d Battalion were wounded and the battalion was giving way under repeated enemy mass attacks, Colonel Coughlin personally rushed to the threatened unit, forcefully eliminated impending confusion, and restored it to an effective defensive force. The 38th Infantry Regiment, under the gallant leadership of Colonel Coughlin, inflicted thousands of casualties upon the enemy and disrupted the offensive which the opposition had launched with the intention of annihilating the Second Division. On 22 May, the regiment, under Colonel Coughlin’s skillful direction, counterattacked the enemy forces, surprising them and forcing them to withdraw after suffering heavy losses. As a result of this successful counterattack, the initiative was fully restored to our forces. The extraordinary heroism displayed by Colonel Coughlin on this occasion reflects the greatest credit on himself and is in keeping with the high traditions of the military service.