The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class John D. Hughes (ASN: RA-34013163), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy near Chonggo-ri, Korea, on 31 December 1950 – 1 January 1951. Private First Class Hughes’ regiment was attacked by a numerically superior enemy force estimated to be in division strength, supported by an intense artillery and mortar barrage. The enemy soon overran the forward positions and before dawn a considerable number had infiltrated through friendly positions and had gained the high ground to the flanks and rear. At about daylight on 1 January 1951 the regiment was ordered to withdraw to more favorable positions. In order to render covering fire to the hard pressed men, Private First Class Hughes, with complete disregard for personal safety, voluntarily exposed himself to intense enemy fire to direct fire of his mortar squad on the advancing enemy. When last seen by his comrades he was still in his exposed position directing a devastating mortar barrage on the enemy, inflicting numerous casualties and slowing up the attack to such an extent that the remainder of his unit was able to withdraw with a minimum of casualties. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private First Class Hughes, 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.