Jack Baughn, Jr.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Jack Baughn, Jr. (US52218139), Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. During the evening and night of 14 June 1953, in the vicinity of Sagimak, Korea, Company E commenced a raid on enemy held Hill 412. As Sergeant Baughn’s squad neared the objective, it was subjected to heavy enemy fire which wounded the squad leader. Sergeant Baughn immediately assumed command of the squad, reorganized it and aggressively led the group up the slope. He courageously guided his men through the intense defensive barrages, forced the enemy to retreat and, upon reaching the crest, deployed his men in an effective defense perimeter. Upon receiving the order to withdraw, Sergeant Baughn skillfully led the squad to the assembly area and then volunteered to guide a screening patrol back to the shell torn objective in an attempt to retrieve wounded personnel. Disregarding the heavy enemy artillery and mortar bombardment, he again moved into the area under fire and succeeded in evacuating several United Nations casualties to safety. Sergeant Baughn then led the screening patrol back to the main line of resistance. Sergeant Baughn’s outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.