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.