The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant First Class [then Corporal] John R. Ritchey (ASN: US-56074023), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company K, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 9 October 1951 in the vicinity of Nundung-ni, Korea. On this date elements of the unit were assaulting hostile positions on Hill 636, the gateway to the ridge objectives of the Regiment. During the ensuing action, as Company K infiltrated the enemy lines, it was immediately counterattacked and forced to withdraw for regrouping. Sergeant Ritchey, a mortar squad leader, voluntarily remained behind to give the company necessary cover fire during its withdrawal. Despite the intense fire of the advancing hostile forces and with complete disregard for his own safety, Sergeant Ritchey directed heavy and accurate fire upon the enemy. Through his courageous actions, hostile forces suffered heavy casualties and their counterattack was delayed, thereby enabling the friendly unit to regroup and retrieve the lost ground with a minimum of casualties. The gallantry in action and outstanding devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Ritchey is in accordance with the esteemed traditions of the military service.